There’s a lot of articles on starting conversations, but ending conversations is just as important. Why? By ending conversations well, you leave a memorable impression and deepen the connection.
Now, if you have even a bit of social anxiety, you might be struggling with overthinking what you should say or shouldn’t. Here’s my reassurance…
Just smile and say goodbye! Keeping it simple makes it less stressful, and works just as well.
That being said, there’s a variety of ways to wrap up a conversation easily and elegantly. In this article, I’ll share a list of phrases that I use depending on the context. (I’d encourage you to modify any of them, so that it sounds natural to you.)
Sorry, I gotta go!
This is especially helpful if you’re in a rush. It’s straight to the point, but still polite enough.
You can also say:
- Sorry, I gotta go! See you soon
- Sorry, gotta run!
- Sorry, I have to make a move now…
- Sorry, I have to go now because… (if you have a few more seconds to explain)
I need to leave for my next…
If you have an upcoming event. You can also say: “It’s time to go to my next…”
It’s getting late.
If you want to be more subtle about leaving, this is it. This helps you smoothly transition to saying goodbye.
Here are other ways to hint that you need to go:
- It’s getting dark.
- Wow, can’t believe it’s already <a specific time e.g. 1 pm>
- Can’t believe that we talked for <duration e.g. an hour>
- Ah, looks like we went over time!
See you around.
This is if you see them regularly. For example, you live in the same neighborhood or work at the same company.
You can also say:
- See you later
- See you tomorrow
- See you at [location e.g. office]
See you soon.
A gentler version of “gotta go”. This signals your intent to meet again (even if you have no idea when the next conversation will be). You could also say: “See you again!”
Great meeting you!
This is if you’re connecting with them for the first time. You can also say:
- Great meeting you in person.
- It was great to finally meet you.
- So nice to meet you!
So nice to reconnect!
This is if you haven’t seen them in a while.
You can also say:
- “So nice to catch up with you.”
- “Let’s meet up more often!”
I also tend to say this to be playful: “Let’s try to meet more than once a year!”
Related article: Conversation starters to reconnect with an old friend without being awkward
Let’s meet up again!
This is if you want to deepen the relationship… or if you just want to be polite 🙂
You can also say:
- Let’s chat again
- Let’s hang out again
- Let’s meet up at [location] next time (if you have a cool hangout spot in mind)
Let’s invite [mutual friend] next time
If you have a mutual friend, you could set up a group conversation: people appreciate connectors, and this helps you deepen two friendships at the same time.
And if you aren’t sure that they will be open to the idea, just ask! “What do you think about inviting [mutual friend] next time?”
Related article: How to end a conversation with a friend (without being awkward)
Before we go, just wanna say…
This does two things:
- Signals that you’re leaving
- Helps you thank them (for more ways to do so, next the next trip)
For example, “Before we go, just wanna say I love what you said about ___” or ” Before we go, just wanna say I’m so happy that we got to meet today…”
Thank you for making the time to meet/chat
Take a moment to appreciate their company, especially if they’ve been occupied with other commitments.
You can also say:
- Thank you for making time despite being busy!
- I’m happy that we got to spend some time together.
- I really enjoyed our conversation.
Have a great day/evening
This can be combined with any of the phrases above, and it’s usually used at the very last moment. For example: “Sorry, I gotta go! Have a great evening.”
You could also say:
- Enjoy the rest of your day
- Have a lovely rest of your week
- Have a great weekend ahead!
If you’re at a party
The additional challenge with parties is that you might not leave right away. So here are a few additional phrases that I’d use to end party conversations gracefully.
- I’m going to talk/say hi to <guest/host name>. Great meeting you!
- I’m going to use the washroom. See you around!
- I’m going to get some food/drinks.
Related article: 8 easy ways to talk to strangers at a party (without being awkward)
If you’re at a networking event
There’s usually more work to do at the end of a professional conversation — whether it’s giving out your business card or setting up a 1-on-1 meeting.
Here are my best tips: 6 non-awkward ways to end a conversation at a networking event
Other tips to end conversations easier
- Set boundaries upfront. Once a conversation picks up momentum, it can be hard to stop talking. If you need to leave after a certain time, let the other person know at the start of the conversation. For example, “I have to go by <time> because <reason>…”
- How to end a phone call. Here are a few tips: 5 ways to end a phone call without being awkward
- Worried that you came across badly? You said bye… and the doubt creeps in. That’s completely normal! This article of mine might help: Overthinking after social events? It’s normal. Here’s what to do.
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