Pretty much everyone’s been stuck in a conversation we’d really rather not be in.
Maybe it’s a colleague who collars you when you’re ready to leave the office for the day, or a rando in the queue for your morning coffee. Either way, you try to make it clear, as politely as possible, that you’ve really got to be going, but they either can’t or won’t accept it. Here’s how to shut things down so you can move on with your day and get a bit of peace.
1. Use the classic “I’ve got to run, but good chatting with you.”
Short, polite, and effective. This one works in almost any situation. You’re not making up a wild excuse; you’re just gently signalling that the conversation is wrapping up, and you’re about to move on. If they try to keep it going, a warm, “Seriously though, let’s catch up another time—I really have to go” helps close the loop without dragging it out. No hard feelings, just a firm end.
2. Look at the time (literally) and say you need to get going.
Checking the time is one of the oldest non-verbal cues in the book, and following it with a quick,“Oh wow, I didn’t realise how late it’s getting” usually gets the message across fast. It’s neutral and easy to use in both casual and more professional settings. You’re not blaming them, just the clock—and that’s a hint even the most talkative person usually gets.
3. Blame a task you need to get back to.
“I need to jump back into this project,” or “I’ve got a few things to knock out before the end of the day” are great ways to wrap things up if you’re mid-workday and can’t keep chatting. Even if the task is just “reclaiming your sanity,” no one needs to know. Linking the end of the convo to something productive makes the change feel natural instead of abrupt.
4. Turn your body slightly to signal the exit.
If words aren’t cutting it, your body language can help. Turning your torso or feet slightly away from the conversation is a subtle cue that you’re preparing to go. Pair it with a smile and a closing phrase, and it strengthens the message. People often mirror physical cues without realising it, and this one helps prompt the natural winding down that just isn’t happening on its own.
5. Use the loo excuse—no shame!
It’s universal, unarguable, and works in every situation. “I’m going to run to the loo real quick—let’s catch up later” is perfectly valid. No one’s going to stop you or ask questions. If you really need an out, it buys you a chance to regroup, reset, and decide if you even want to circle back later. Sometimes the answer is no, and that’s okay.
6. Say you promised yourself a screen break, stretch, or walk.
Source: Unsplash This one’s great when working from home or stuck in long meetings. “I told myself I’d take a screen break before jumping into the next thing” is respectful and relatable. No one’s going to argue with a mental health moment. It keeps the vibe friendly while giving you a clean way out. Bonus: you actually get to take a little break, which probably helps more than staying in a draining conversation.
7. Bring it to a natural close with “Anyway…”
Starting a sentence with “Anyway…” is a classic pivot that shows you’re landing the plane. Something like, “Anyway, I should let you go — I’ve got a couple of things to get done” ties things up without being blunt. Such a soft wrap works well if you don’t want to come off abrupt, but you need the convo to end. It gently turns the tide without leaving things awkward or open-ended.
8. Introduce them to someone else if you’re in a group.
Source: Unsplash If you’re at a social or work event and can’t seem to escape someone who’s holding you hostage with endless stories, pulling someone else into the mix can help. A quick, “Oh, have you met ___?” creates a natural break. You’re not abandoning them; you’re just shifting the energy and freeing yourself to make an exit. It works best in larger gatherings, but even small ones benefit from a little redirection now and then.
9. Mention a call, errand, or something time-sensitive.
Source: Unsplash “I’ve got a call in a few minutes I need to prep for,” or “I’m heading out to pick something up soon” are easy, non-confrontational ways to wrap things up. They give a clear reason without making it feel personal. If they try to keep going, just hold your boundary with a smile and say, “Let’s finish this another time—I’ve really got to hop off.” Short, simple, done.
10. Redirect with kindness, then exit.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes all it takes is a gentle, “It’s been great chatting—I’ve got to head out now, but I really enjoyed hearing about that.” You’re affirming the conversation while clearly closing it. It softens the ending, but still draws the line. People don’t always take hints, but they tend to respond well to polite directness when it’s wrapped in warmth.
11. Ask a closing question, then stand up or walk away.
Source: Unsplash Wrap things up with something like, “So what’s next on your list today?” and then follow it with a natural cue—gathering your things, standing up, or walking toward the door. It changes the conversation from sharing to moving, and people usually pick up on it fast. It creates a sense of closure without needing to over-explain anything.
12. Mention another person you need to connect with.
Source: Unsplash “I told [name] I’d check in with them about something before I head out, so let’s catch up soon.” This one’s helpful in busy social settings where it’s easy to get stuck with one person longer than planned. It gives you an exit without rejecting the person you’re leaving. They’ll understand, and you get a smooth transition out of a chat that’s gone on too long.
13. Change to a summary and next time.
Source: Unsplash If the conversation keeps looping or going in circles, take control by summarising and gently pointing forward. “Well, sounds like there’s a lot going on—let’s definitely pick this up next week when we’ve both got more time.” It closes the door for now, while offering a way to reconnect later on your terms. You’re still being thoughtful, just not indefinitely available.
14. Get comfortable ending it even if it feels awkward.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes the reason people don’t get the hint is because they’re not tuned in, and that’s not your fault. It’s okay to politely interrupt and say, “I’ve really got to pause here—I hope you have a great rest of the day.” It might feel uncomfortable for a second, but it’s better than stretching the conversation out until you’re drained. Being clear doesn’t make you rude. It just means you respect your own time, too.
