This is the fifth post in our 6-part series on building confidence in everyday conversation. So far, we’ve covered how to start a conversation and how to keep it going – and some practical resources to make that happen.
But here’s a part of conversation that doesn’t get talked about enough: how to end it well.
Most of us assume the hardest part is starting. And it is. But ending a conversation—without it getting awkward or dragging on too long—can be just as tricky. That’s why we’re dedicating these final two posts to that very skill.
How Conversations Typically End – and Why it Matters
There are only two ways most conversations end:
- A satisfying conclusion that leaves both people feeling positive.
- A painful escape—where one person is stuck, bored, or just unsure how to get out of it.
We’ve all been in that second one, right? You’re in a conversation that’s clearly winding down, but neither of you makes a move. Or worse, one person keeps talking and you’re mentally mapping an escape route.
The good news? You can learn to recognize the signs and wrap things up smoothly—without feeling guilty or awkward.
Why it’s Hard to End a Conversation (Even When You Should)
If you’ve ever found yourself trapped in a conversation and wanting to get out, you’re not alone. Here are a few reasons we hang on longer than we should:
- The conversation is going great!
Sounds like a good thing, right? But even great conversations have a shelf life. If you wait until the energy fizzles, you’ll both walk away tired instead of refreshed.
The best time to wrap up is while things are still going well – and you’ll both look forward to more next time.
- We don’t want to be rude.
We worry that ending a conversation might make the other person feel rejected. So, we stay stuck out of politeness.
But here’s the truth: graceful exits aren’t rude, they’re respectful. It shows you value the conversation enough to end it well, rather than let it fade away.
- We’re afraid to start over.
Let’s face it – starting a conversation takes effort. Once we’ve warmed up to one person, it feels easier to stay put than to go meet someone else.
But remember: this is about building your confidence. The more practice you get, the easier it becomes.
- We feel trapped by oversharing.
Sometimes you ask a simple question (“How was your weekend?”), and the other person launches into a full-life story—complete with subplots and background characters.
It’s hard to cut that off without feeling insensitive. But it is possible to set boundaries without being rude (more on that in the next post).
The Trap of Perfection
Some conversations will be awesome. Others will be awkward.
That’s normal.
You don’t need every conversation to be perfect to be a good communicator. Think of each interaction as a workout—some are better than others, but every one helps build your skills.
If something doesn’t click, it’s not necessarily about you. Maybe the other person is distracted, tired, or just not feeling it.
Or maybe you’re the tired one. Whether you’re a Volkswagen or a Lamborghini – if you run out of fuel, it doesn’t mean you failed.
It means you need fuel.
Let go of the pressure to “win” every conversation. Instead, ask yourself:
- Did I learn something?
- Did I make someone feel heard?
- Did I practice a new skill?
If so, that’s progress.
It’s OK to Move On
Here’s your permission slip: you don’t have to stay in a draining conversation.
It doesn’t mean you’re rude, disinterested, or selfish. It means you’re managing your energy—and respecting theirs, too.
When you know how to exit well, you won’t avoid conversations because you’re afraid of getting stuck.
That’s the goal.
Next time, we’ll get practical. I’ll show you specific phrases and strategies to end any conversation with kindness, confidence, and clarity—whether it’s a one-on-one chat or a group dynamic.
Stay tuned for Part 6 (the final part): How to End a Conversation Without It Getting Weird.
This series is loosely based on content found in How to Communicate with Confidence. It’s a helpful resource for people who struggle with confidence in conversations – so pick up a copy for them (or yourself!) today!