How to Escape an Awkward Phone Conversation

We’ve all been involved in phone conversations that, for whatever reason, became painfully and ridiculously awkward. Some people are veritable Houdinis at escaping such conversations, but others, especially shy and non-confrontational types, have a terrible time ending any kind of phone call. Here are a few different strategies to try the next time you find yourself in this situation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Drop hints in an effort to get the other person to end the conversation himself. Try saying things like, “Well, I suppose you should get back to work,” or “I don’t want to keep you too long or anything.”
2. If this doesn’t work, drop hints about how busy or tired you are, or about how you have to make some other phone calls.
3. Come down with a sudden, violent coughing fit. Croak out between shuddering hacks that your throat is feeling raw and you need to go get a drink of water. Would it be OK if the two of you finished this conversation some other time?
4. Finally, try the direct approach. Flatly state a reason why you have to end the call, give her a second to say goodbye, and then just hang up.
5. If you don’t feel comfortable with the “blunt excuse” strategy, and the hint dropping doesn’t seem to work, hit a random button and pretend like you’re getting a call on the other line that you absolutely have to take.
6. Another strategy you can try if you’re a very shy, non-confrontational person is simply to hang up the phone. If the person calls back, pretend like you lost the call…and then employ one of the other strategies listed above to escape from the conversation once and for all.