How to end a conversation politely? Try these 5 mindful tips
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Discover the different conversation types and the importance of being polite when ending a conversation. Plus, tips and examples to end a conversation mindfully.
Ending a conversation can sometimes feel as challenging as starting one. But it doesn’t have to be awkward or difficult. Whether you're wrapping up a chat with a friend, a phone call with a family member, or a text conversation with a colleague, ending the conversation politely is key.
Finding the right words to show respect, empathy, and kindness in those final moments of your interaction can help ensure you end any conversation smoothly and mindfully. These skills are helpful for maintaining positive relationships and leaving a lasting impression.
The different types of conversation
Conversations are the bridges we build to connect with others and get to know each other better. Understanding the different types of conversations we have can help us navigate how to end them respectfully and effectively. While ending each type of conversation requires a slightly different approach, the end goal should always be the same: Aim to part on good terms while showing respect and consideration for the other person.
In-person (or video) conversations: These are the chats we have face-to-face. Whether it's a catch-up with a friend at a cafe or a discussion with a colleague in the office or on Zoom, these conversations allow us to use not just words but also our facial expressions and body language to communicate. Being able to read the other person’s expressions helps us choose the right moment and words to conclude the chat. If you don’t feel as skilled with reading social cues, it’s always okay to communicate and ask for clarification, posing a question like, “Is there anything else we need to talk about?” or “Is there anything else you’d like to share?”.
Phone calls: When we talk on the phone, we can’t see the person we’re talking to. This means we have to rely heavily on the tone of our voice and the words we choose. Ending a phone call politely requires listening carefully and using verbal cues to signal that the conversation is coming to an end. It's about being clear and direct, yet warm and friendly.
Text conversations: Texting is a quick and convenient way to communicate. We often text when we're in the middle of doing other things so that these conversations can be brief and to the point. Ending a text conversation politely might mean making it clear that you need to pause the chat and indicating when you'll be able to talk again. Since we can’t use tone of voice or body language in texts, choosing words that are friendly and clear is important.
Why being polite matters if you’re trying to end a conversation
Politeness shows you care about the other person's feelings. Sometimes, you might feel like you don’t have the patience to wait until the other person is ready to end the conversation, but try to be as polite as you can. When you end a conversation with politeness, the other person is more likely to be left with positive feelings about your interaction.
Being polite leaves a good impression
Think about a conversation you’ve had recently. You might not remember every detail, but you probably remember how it made you feel. Even if some parts of your conversation weren’t perfect or involved difficult topics, the way you part can make or break how someone remembers you and the interaction.
Politeness shows respect
Politeness is a way of showing respect. It tells the other person that you value their time and opinion. When people feel respected, they’re more likely to engage with you positively in the future.
Being respectful avoids misunderstandings
Sometimes, how you say goodbye can be more important than what you talked about. If you end a conversation abruptly or rudely, it might leave the other person feeling confused or upset. Polite endings help avoid such misunderstandings, ensuring that the conversation concludes on clear and friendly terms.
Builds stronger relationships
Every time you interact with someone and end the conversation kindly, you're adding to the strength of your relationship. People remember kindness, so they’re more inclined to speak to you again or help you out in the future.
💙 Practicing kindness begins with treating ourselves with kindness. When we send ourselves love, we can share it with others and build stronger relationships. Try a Loving-Kindness meditation to cultivate these feelings.
Of course, there might be situations where you wish to end a conversation that doesn’t warrant an abundance of politeness. Perhaps someone isn’t leaving you alone after asking them to or deliberately holding you up from moving forward in your day. In these scenarios, use your own discretion to determine how to best end the conversation, and feel empowered to bluntly state your needs.
6 examples of ending a conversation mindfully
It’s a good idea to keep some polite phrases in mind, ready to use in various situations so you can end your conversations respectfully and thoughtfully. You can adapt these examples to be more casual or formal, depending on the occasion, the culture of the environment you’re in, or the depth of your relationship with the person you’ve been talking to. By ending the conversation in a way that is natural and genuine, it is more likely that the other person will feel appreciated and understood by you.
1. Friendly farewell: "It's been great catching up with you! Let's get together again soon."
Use this when you're ending a casual conversation with a friend or acquaintance. It's warm and shows you're looking forward to future interactions.
2. Professional goodbye: "Thank you for the insightful discussion. I look forward to continuing this conversation at our next meeting."
Ideal for work or formal settings, ending a conversation in this way is respectful and acknowledges the value of the conversation.
3. Quick text sign-off: "Got to go now, but let's text later. Have a good day!"
Perfect for when you're texting and need to end the chat quickly. It's brief, yet friendly.
4. Phone call conclusion: "I need to start getting ready for my next appointment. It was lovely talking to you."
Suitable for phone calls where you need to leave but want to keep the tone positive and polite.
5. Ending a group conversation: "I'm going to head out, but you all carry on. Enjoy the conversation!"
Ending the conversation by acknowledging that everyone should carry on works well in a group setting where you need to leave but don't want to interrupt the flow for everyone else.
6. When you’re busy: "I'm in the middle of something right now, but it’s good to hear from you. Let's catch up more later!"
Use this type of ending when you're busy but want to acknowledge the person and the conversation.
How to end a conversation politely: 5 mindful tips
Ending a conversation politely is an art that everyone can master. These tips can help you end any conversation mindfully.
1. Smile when you say goodbye
Smiling, which is a form of body language, enhances and amplifies the verbal message. Even if you're on the phone or texting, a smile can be heard in your voice and seen in your words. It makes the goodbye feel warm and genuine.
2. Express gratitude
Always say thank you. Appreciating the other person's time or the conversation shows you value the interaction. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.
💙 Learn how to become more comfortable with expressing gratitude with our 7 Days of Gratitude meditation series.
3. Use clear ending phrases
Be straightforward with phrases like, "I need to go now," or "Let's catch up again soon." Articulating your message with clarity helps avoid any confusion and signals the end of the conversation gently.
💙 Discover how to set Healthy Boundaries in conversation with the words you choose to say.
4. Offer future connection
Mention a future interaction like, "Looking forward to our next chat!" When you express interest in continuing the interaction, just at another time, the conversation can end on a positive note. Deepening a connection occurs over a longer period of time, so when you signify you want to keep in contact, it helps reassure the other person that you’re interested.
5. Acknowledge the conversation
Actively listening during a conversation will help you end the conversation on a positive note, as you will be able to recap what you discussed. When you briefly summarize or mention a highlight of the chat at the end, it shows you were engaged and attentive, making the other person feel heard and appreciated.
💙 Join Tamara Levitt in this episode from Relationships with Others series on Listening more mindfully.
How to end a conversation FAQs
How do you end a text conversation?
Ending a text conversation can be as simple as sending a friendly message that you need to step away. You might say, "I have to go now, but let's talk more later!" This lets the other person know you're leaving the conversation for now, but you're open to chatting more at another time. It's polite and leaves the interaction on a positive note. You can also use emojis to add a friendly touch, like a smiley face or a waving hand, to make your goodbye feel warm and casual.
How do you end a conversation with someone you just met?
When you're ending a conversation with someone you've just met, a polite and friendly approach is key. You can say something like, "It was really nice meeting you. I hope we run into each other again soon." It’s a pleasant way to close the conversation and can make the other person feel valued. Leaving the possibility open for future interactions like this can be a simple but effective way to make a good impression and end on a positive note.
What is a good way to end a conversation?
A good technique for ending any conversation is to summarize what you talked about and then signal that you need to leave. For example, you could say, "I really enjoyed hearing about the new book you're reading. I need to get going now, but I’d love to pick this up another time!" This method shows that you were paying attention to the conversation and that you care about continuing it in the future—you could even arrange a date for your next chat. It’s respectful and makes sure both you and the person you're talking to feel good about the interaction.
How do you end a conversation when the other person is rude?
Ending a conversation with someone who’s being rude can be challenging, but it’s important to stay calm and polite (both to prevent escalation and for your own wellbeing). You might say, "I don’t think this conversation is productive anymore. Let's take a break and continue talking another time." This way, you're setting boundaries and signaling that the conversation is over without being rude yourself. It’s a respectful way to disengage while maintaining your composure.
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