Unwanted human interaction is excruciating. Here’s how to put a quick and painless end to it.

Unwanted human interaction is excruciating. Here’s how to put a quick and painless end to it.

Bring the conversation back around to why you started talking in the first place
When you revist the initial topic, you  subconsciously signal the conversation’s end. Any other useless information your speaking partner wants to regale you with will seem entirely
out of context.

Use an honest exit line
Fabricating excuses is tempting, but it can come off as dishonest in the moment and lead to more awkward encounters later. Put the emphasis on what it is that you need to accomplish. This makes your exit seem less like a judgment of the other person ­— it’s not about them.

Introduce them to someone else or have them introduce you
One of the best things that kills the torture of a difficult interaction is when a third person mercifully joins. If you can, have someone there to pawn them off to, or (if you’re alone), ask them to introduce you to someone they know. Three grimaces of discomfort are better than two.

End with appreciation
Small talk expert Debra Fine calls appreciation “a compliment with closure.” Recap the conversation in a positive way by thanking the person for their time and sharing their stupid story with you. Be sure to use their name, it builds rapport and helps solidify their name in your memory. This ensures you go out on a high note, with warm feelings between the two of you, no matter how blisteringly awkward the encounter was.