Saying "keep in touch" or similar phrases like "let's catch up soon" is a common social courtesy and part of polite communication. People often use these phrases as a way to end a conversation on a positive note and maintain a sense of goodwill without committing to any specific plans or follow-up.
There can be various reasons why someone might say this even if they have no intention of staying in touch:
Social norms: It's a social convention to end conversations or interactions with positive and friendly phrases, even if there's no real intention of further contact.
Avoiding awkwardness: People may use these phrases to avoid any potential awkwardness or discomfort that might arise from saying goodbye without any expression of goodwill.
Not wanting to disappoint: Some individuals might say it to be polite or to avoid hurting the other person's feelings. They may not want to come across as rude or disinterested.
Fearing confrontation: People may find it challenging to be upfront about their lack of interest in maintaining contact, so they opt for a vague and non-committal statement instead.
Keeping options open: By saying "keep in touch," they leave the possibility open for future communication without making any specific commitment.
Habitual response: It's possible that they use this phrase without much thought, as it has become a standard part of their conversational repertoire.
It's essential to recognize that these phrases are often just polite social niceties and may not always reflect genuine intentions for future contact. If someone says, "keep in touch," but they don't follow up or respond to your attempts to stay connected, it might be an indication that they were not genuinely interested in continuing the relationship. In such cases, it's best not to take it personally and focus on maintaining connections with people who genuinely reciprocate your interest in staying in touch.