Ending a phone call politely with someone who doesn't seem to know when to hang up can be challenging, but it's essential to handle the situation with tact and respect. Here are some strategies you can use to end the call gracefully:
Set Time Expectations: At the beginning of the call, mention that you have a limited amount of time available to talk. Setting expectations upfront can help the other person understand that the conversation has a defined duration.
Use Time-Based Excuses: Politely mention that you have another commitment or appointment coming up, and you need to end the call to attend to it. For example, you could say, "I've enjoyed talking to you, but I have to get ready for a meeting soon."
Express Gratitude and Appreciation: Before ending the call, express your gratitude for the conversation. Let the person know that you enjoyed talking to them, but you have to go for now. For instance, "Thank you for catching up with me; it was lovely talking to you. Unfortunately, I have to go now."
Be Direct Yet Kind: If the person keeps prolonging the conversation, you may need to be more assertive in your approach. Politely say something like, "I appreciate our talk, but I have some tasks I need to attend to. Let's catch up again soon."
Offer a Call-Back Promise: If the person seems genuinely invested in the conversation, reassure them that you'll call back later to continue the discussion. This way, you can politely end the call for the time being without abruptly cutting them off.
Signal the End of the Conversation: Start wrapping up the conversation by giving cues that you need to end the call, such as saying, "It's been great talking to you," or "I'll let you go now."
Stay Firm: If the person continues to resist ending the call, be firm but polite in your insistence. You can say something like, "I really need to go now. Let's talk again soon. Goodbye!"
Use Call Waiting or Another Call: If your phone has a call waiting feature, you can use it as an opportunity to let the person know that you have another call coming in and need to end the current one. However, avoid using this tactic dishonestly or too frequently.
Remember, politeness is essential, but setting boundaries is also crucial. If the person frequently extends conversations beyond your comfort level, it may be beneficial to have an open and honest conversation with them about your boundaries and time constraints. Communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships.