How often have you been stuck with a person on the phone, as he/she goes on and on and on... boring you to a limit that you feel like screeming your mind out? Have to still managed to end the phone call polietly, and withour hurting the person's feelings?
So what if she has called you after over six months? So what if she has a lot of interesting gossip about her new acquaintance? So what if there was a time when you used share every bit of a secret with each other? Today you don’t have time!
You have loads to do and here you are, stuck with the non-stop nonsense of your ‘dear friend’!
What do you do when the voice on the other side of the phone is just not ready to leave your ear? You don’t wish to hurt her feelings either because she’s a good friend, and at times, pretty useful too … so, you can’t even keep the phone rudely!
Here’s how you can end the seemingly unending conversation, politely:
1. While she babbles away her own story that your are not interested in, use the time to think of a good reason to end the phone call, like you need to pick up your kids from school or leave for some official work.
2. Now, search for a breaking point in the conversation, like when she is switching from one topic to another or after she says something funny and laughs at her own joke! At such a point, there will be a pause in the conversation. Jump in and grab the opportunity to speak up.
3. State the reason, convincingly, for ending the conversation so that the person on the other line doesn't think you are just hanging up on her face. Considering the situation, you may also apologise for not being able to continue with the ‘interesting talks’.
4. Tell her that you can catch up with each other some time later, say this weekend or whenever you are free. (This will make it easier for her to accept the fact that you are hanging up!)
5. Now give her some time to say whatever she wants to say before hanging up (Warning: Give little time or the conversation may be re-launched!). If she continues longer, conclude by throwing a few ‘OKs’ and ‘yes’.
6. Continue to be polite, yet assertive. If she ignores your request and keeps speaking, you will need to be more assertive! But be patient, don’t loose your calm!
7. Finally, don’t forget to say a sweet ‘goodbye’ before you hang up!
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