How to Get Out of a Boring Conversation

At the beginning of the conversation, you were eager to talk to your acquaintance, but now you're just eager for the talking to end. Artfully work your way out of the boring discussion with techniques that will keep your friend's feelings intact.

Instructions

1. Change the subject. Sometimes the person you're talking to might not be a boring conversationalist, it's just that the topic doesn't interest you. Find an opening in their monologue that will allow you to segue into an interesting movie you just saw or book you're dying to discuss.

2. Make it obvious that you're ready for the conversation to end. Stop asking questions or commenting on what the other person has to say. Use body language like checking your watch or cell phone, allowing your eyes to wander, hanging your purse on your shoulder or putting on your jacket.

3. Claim that you have to check out something at home, that you think you left something in the last store you visited or that you have to return a vital call in your office. Devise an excuse that sounds urgent so you can slip away quickly.

4. End the conversation abruptly, but politely, by asking for a card or setting up your next appointment if you're discussing business. Sometimes a simple, "Let's schedule our next meeting before we forget" is enough to get out of the situation.

5. Set up a signal with friends if you're at a party. Vow to pull each other away from boring or obnoxious guests. Having a friend retrieve you will make him look like the bad guy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you absolutely can't get out of the conversation, simply nod along as if you're listening, but use the time to plan your "to do" list for the next day, people watch or daydream.