If you have found the conversation enjoyable and you’d like to stay in touch with them, you can say, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting with you and would like to continue this conversation. Would you be open to meeting for lunch sometime?” Or, “It has been so good to learn everything you’ve had to say Sally but I’m really pressed for time now, and I do have to let you know that X and then I have to go. Do you mind if I just quickly explain this, then bolt off? We can catch again another day. " If the conversation is not likely to go further, be polite and say, “I’ve appreciated our time together. Thanks for sharing the stories about your business travels. I’ll keep those lessons in mind on my travels. It’s been great visiting with you. "
Start to tap your watch. Maybe the person will see that you are pressed for time. In the middle of the conversation, just start yawning and looking away. Do this every five minutes. This clues the person that you are tired and need some rest.
A less bossy way could be to infer that they are just talking too much by making a statement such as: “The quieter you become, the more you can hear. " Or “Shhh, can you hear that? It’s the sound of just being. " If the person has been gossiping, some curt lines include: “If you can’t be kind/positive, at least be quiet. " Or, “So much to say about the same issue! It suggests to me you really aren’t as blameless as you’re insisting. " Or, “If it’s not your story, then don’t tell it. " If you’re feeling totally fed up and mean, opine: “The secret to being boring is to say everything. " Just be aware that it’s likely to cause the other person to be shocked.
