How to End a Phone Call Without Hurting Someone's Feelings

Contributor

By Sheila Wilkinson
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(9 Ratings)

Sometimes all you need to solve a problem is a little forethought. Phone calls can steal huge chunks of our time if we don't learn to be diplomatic about hanging up. They can be ended in lots of ways that will not seem short or rude to others. It just takes a little planning ahead--and a few ideas like these.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Start your phone calls with the end in sight. "I really want to hear about this but I have just five minutes before I have to leave. Let's see how much we can cover in that time." Make this a little lighthearted--like you really do want to hear (and you really may want to hear) and it should be an easy way to ease out of the call in a short time.
Step 2

Announce that you're cooking when you get your call. Put a kitchen timer on and when it goes off, tell the caller that you need to go and take something out of the oven and finish your cooking.
Step 3

Reach outside the door and ring the doorbell and tell the person you need to go because someone is at the door.
Step 4

You can also add little 'enders' into your conversations. Say something like, "Before we hang up, I want to let you know that..." That should give them the idea that you need to get off the phone.
Step 5

You can always say that a child needs something--if you have a child who is handy...or a parent or anyone else who is around.
Step 6

Tell someone when you answer the phone that "things are really crazy around here today" or "I haven't had time to turn around today" Let it be known that you are busy and you can't spend forever on the phone. This will give you a reason for not calling back the same day as well.
Step 7

If you have someone that calls all the time, don't answer every call or just take the phone off the hook now and then. Be honest with frequent callers because they will tire of all these excuses sooner or later. Let them know that you've developed a bad habit of staying on the phone and your chores aren't getting done and you just can't get behind again.
Step 8

Be polite but firm if people won't accept your reasons or excuses. If they just keep talking, say firmly but politely something like, "Gee, I'm sooo sorry that I don't have time just now to chat any longer. I have so much to do and I'm afraid I'll never get it done unless I get off the phone.
Step 9

Offer another suggestion. "Gee, I'd love to talk with you but I haven't really got time just now. Can we meet for lunch and catch up when it's less harried and more fun? How about Tuesday at Benny's?" You still sound interested, but busy.
Step 10

Remember, this will get easier with practice. Tell yourself that your time is valuable and you really can't afford to waste so much of it.

Comments

xxdesertash said

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on 1/26/2009 Thanks! Very great information!

brandy1123 said

on 8/31/2008 Thanks for this article 5 stars

Psalmist4M said

on 8/18/2008 I agree with amandaford, I'm not one for a lot of phone time...I know that sounds crazy for this generation, but what can I say... Thanks for the great detailed article. 5*s cherylgoff.com

momofour said

on 8/10/2008 Thanks for the article! I think we all know someone that you can't get off the phone for any reason. Some people just won't get the hint! Use caller id to help screen the calls, but if it is someone that you truely don't want to lose in your life, make it a point to suffer out a phone call at least once a week.