How to End a Phone Call With a Talkative Friend

We all know the interminable talker. That's the person who will just not end a phone conversation, the talkative friend who tends not to notice that she's dominating the conversation and that you're snoring on the other end of the phone. The problem is that most of us don't want to be rude or hurt someone's feelings, so even if we want to end the phone call we find it difficult to do. There are a few tricks to try, hoping your talkative friend gets the hint. Read on to learn how to end a phone call with a talkative friend.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Restraint
• Patience
• Valid excuses
• Caller ID

1. Use Caller ID as an early warning system. You could use Caller ID to avoid the phone call completely, but eventually you'll have to answer. Instead, embrace your luck in knowing who's on the other end of the phone before you answer. It's invaluable information that can help you gear up to start thinking about polite ways to end the conversation.
2. Set a time limit as soon as you answer the phone. You don't have to be obvious about it. Obviously, saying "I'm setting the timer, you have 10 minutes" is insulting, but you can tell your talkative friend that you've got a busy day and only have X number of minutes to talk.
3. Ask your friend if you can call her back at a later time--and do it. If you're constantly telling your friend you can't talk or only have a limited time for the call, she's going to start feeling hurt. You really should balance this approach by giving her full reign every once in awhile. So, call her back when you have the free time to listen.
4. Start winding down your conversational participation. Non-committal responses or less active participation may clue your friend into the fact that you're ready to say goodbye. These gives you an opening to break in at her next breath, apologize and explain that you need to say goodbye now.
5. Give a valid reason whenever possible. If you have to make dinner, say so. If you want to get something done around the house before your family gets home, tell her so. If your friend is very talkative and you've been on the phone forever, it's probably valid to let her know you have to go to the bathroom.
6. Discuss your concerns with your friend at another time. The next time the two of you visit, bring up the fact that your phone calls are longer than you're comfortable with. Take the blame upon yourself--tell your friend that you just don't like to talk on the phone all that much--and offer alternative solutions like IM or text messaging.
7. Invest in a "Get of the Phone Excuse Machine." These keychain devices made by Prank Place are hilarious (see Resources below). With the push of a button you have the ability to create a distraction that allows you to get off the phone. Your friend may not be fooled, but she may just be amused enough to laugh at herself a little bit and it can become a signal in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• A great way to end a phone call is to begin summarizing the conversation. Saying things like "So, you called to let me know..." or "OK, you need me to bring..." shows that you've been listening, but that you've finished conducting your business.
• Try to be polite and don't interrupt. However, don't sacrifice your sanity for the sake of politeness. When all other approaches have failed, you'll need to be assertive enough to say outright "I need to end this phone call now."