Ending Conversations

[gsmax5]

People say that the only hard part about socialization is the approach, and everything after that will magically fall into place. Oh my god, that statement is totally untrue for me; saying "hi" (while uncomfortable) is not nearly as bad the 2nd sentence or the "exit". Jesus Christ, I hate the "exit", I'm never sure whether to say "good-bye", "bye-bye", "see you", "thanks", or some stupid-ass cliche, so what comes out of my mouth ends up being a phonetic average of possible "parting word" that comes to mind in an incoherent, low, mumbling voice.

Also, I don't like saying "you're welcome", and I can't say "no problem" because I never heard it until I was 14-ish, so I don't feel like I'm entitled to use it (I also think it sounds stupid). So, whenever I do someone a favor, and they say thanks, I just act like a jerk and don't say anything.

 

[user12053]

People say that the only hard part about socialization is the approach, and everything after that will magically fall into place. Oh my god, that statement is totally untrue for me; saying "hi" (while uncomfortable) is not nearly as bad the 2nd sentence or the "exit". Jesus Christ, I hate the "exit", I'm never sure whether to say "good-bye", "bye-bye", "see you", "thanks", or some stupid-ass cliche, so what comes out of my mouth ends up being a phonetic average of possible "parting word" that comes to mind in an incoherent, low, mumbling voice.

Also, I don't like saying "you're welcome", and I can't say "no problem" because I never heard it until I was 14-ish, so I don't feel like I'm entitled to use it (I also think it sounds stupid). So, whenever I do someone a favor, and they say thanks, I just act like a jerk and don't say anything.

I can relate to the last part. I'm having a hard time saying "thank you" to my dad, because he never taught me to say so, so now the thought of saying thanks to him makes me uncomfortable. He's the only one I cant say it to.

 

[Flowers-Of-Bloom]

Oh I agree. Entry is hardest for me, but exit isn't that much better...
I guess the thing you have to remember is that conversations need to be somewhat cliche in terms of the entry and exit. People like cliches, because it's familiarity. You don't have to make some kind of a dramatic parting that leaves an impression...

Regarding accepting thanks, I guess you could use things like "Anytime" or "Don't mention it." Nothing fancy...Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

But people do need some kind of a response.

 

[mimi1988]

I don't have a problem saying, "bye" or "see you later". I just have a problem with saying it and not coming off as being rude lol. I don't wanna make it seem like I'm trying to cut the person off, or like I don't want to be bothered with the person. But often times, that's precisely the way it comes off (at least to me it does). My grandma is a pro at doing that. (she's not shy by long shot, though). She'll pretend like she's all happy to see a person when all she really wants is someone to do a favor for her lol. And as SOON as she see's that you're engaging in TOO much small talk, "well, alright! I'll see you tomorrow; gotta go! It was nice talking to you!" Lol. She does it really smooth though. So smooth you don't even realize she's being rude or trying to get over on you lol. D*mn I wish I could be like her!... Lol

 

[WelshOne]

Sometimes I find it really hard to leave a conversation, too, but it can also just be a location. Like, I was over my Uncle's yesterday because I needed to use his circular saw... when all was done, he and my cousin (his son) started getting on with their own work (and more or less ignoring me lol) and I was left feeling awkward and not knowing how to leave and go home. I ended up just standing around watching them for a minute or so, then blurting out "ok... bye" It was really awkward an ill-timed, but I just couldnt find any easy opportunity to say I was leaving. Bleh.