Getting out of a conversation

[Serenity9]

If you know someone who likes to talk your ear off, and it's not even really a conversation, but more like a soliloquy that they want you to just listen to... how do you get out of the conversation without being overly rude? I've managed it a few times on my own with the person I'm thinking of, but I'm open to new suggestions that might be more "smooth" than what I've done in the past. 

[Deleted]

[hopecounts]

"Oh there's X (someone you know) I need to talk to them about something before I forget!"
Or 'I've got to run or I'll be late'

[Serenity9]

Apr 1, 2015 16:09:02 GMT -5 @fucksticklegit said:

I have actually used the "I have to go to the bathroom" excuse!

[Deleted]

Where is this happening?

If it is somebody who comes into my office, I turn to my computer and hit "Print."

It doesn't matter what.

Then I get up and go to the printer.

That's usually enough to make the person go away.

[Serenity9]

It's a social event. I go to meetups - I love my local meetup group; I've made a ton of friends there. But there is this one woman who comes every time and she is so hard to shake.

[Deleted]

Apr 1, 2015 16:16:40 GMT -5 Serenity9 said:

It's a social event. I go to meetups - I love my local meetup group; I've made a ton of friends there. But there is this one woman who comes every time and she is so hard to shake.

Hmm.

So no printers.

Damn.

[lilafowler]

Apr 1, 2015 16:16:40 GMT -5 Serenity9 said:

It's a social event. I go to meetups - I love my local meetup group; I've made a ton of friends there. But there is this one woman who comes every time and she is so hard to shake.

I just want to be your FRIEND.

[Serenity9]

Apr 1, 2015 16:13:07 GMT -5 RexManningDay said:

If this is happening over and over again with the same person, I think I'd be looking to exit LESS smoothly rather than moreso.

Get the fucking hint.

I knooooooow! I would really love to tell her that she monopolizes conversations and I don't want to be her friend. But everyone says "oh, she's harmless" and sort of have a soft-spot for her even though they get really annoyed with her, too. So I think I would be seen as "the mean one" among my friends if I told her off.

[whiskeyandwine]

Apr 1, 2015 16:16:40 GMT -5 Serenity9 said:

It's a social event. I go to meetups - I love my local meetup group; I've made a ton of friends there. But there is this one woman who comes every time and she is so hard to shake.

Go to the bar for a new drink?

[Deleted]

Just say something like, "Oh my goodness, this is really embarrassing, but I REALLY need to use the restroom right now. I'll catch up with you later!"

Then scurry off.

[karmasabiotch]

My H can't end a conversation. If he's talking I steer him away when I see other people trying to end the conversation. When it's just me I tell him that he should be done talking now.

[zaneyzoo]

If it's at work, someone will call the office from their cell and ask for me.

If it's elsewhere and I have my kids, I use them to get out of a distraction.

If it's somewhere other than the above, I trip myself and fall. Okay, maybe not.....or maybe?

[madringal]

Oh, I am good at this. Well at work anyways. With a customer - I just nod along politely for a few minutes. Then I push my chair back from my desk. Few minutes later, stand up, a a minute or two after that walk towards my door. At the VERY first break, "Alright. It was good to see you, have a great day. Bye!"

With a coworker, I just start texting on my phone, or start typing on my computer and stop even engaging. Eventually, I just say something like, "Ok, that sounds good, but I really need to work on this. I'll talk to you later."

[Serenity9]

Apr 1, 2015 16:24:11 GMT -5 AutumnRose25 said:

Have you tried deactivating?

[gault]

Yep, pee break. Then just sit on the toilet (with the seat down) for 5 minutes in case she trails in there behind you.

[nannersp]

Just do this: 

[BaliHai]

I wait for a pause for a breath and say "Hey, would you excuse me for a second?" and then smile and walk away. In your case I'd walk away to use the bathroom/get another drink/get more food or something - I try not to just aimlessly wander and make it obvious I was making a break for it.

[hopecounts]

Then use the
Excuse me a minute I need to get a fresh drink/use the bathroom/get some food talk to you later!
Then avoid like the plague.