Ending an interaction with another human without offending

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From my own experience, ending conversations on the phone or in person can be awkward for NTs also. Sometimes awkward endings can be a source of amusement. And, awkward endings don't mean the interaction was a disaster or that the relationship has failed.

This can be hard for NTs too. Some people just don't pick up on hints that you are done even when you do it very well, and that includes NTs. As a last resort I'll say "This is very interesting but I have to go. I hope you feel better/things work out...(if they were sharing a problem)"

If the person is sharing a really huge problem and it's really hard for them to get it out and I really have to go (maybe I have a child waiting for me somewhere). I'll say "This is a really important problem and it must be really hard for you to tell me. I totally want to listen and help but Xchild is waiting for me at X place and I have to go right now. Can I call you, or can we get together at X time." People tend to tell me their deepest problems because they know I won't blab, even if I don't like the person. I do tend to talk to much but not about other people, just about stuff that interests me.

Maybe this will give you some ideas....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyWsFfd9pqE (language warning)

Tell them you left something in the oven and that that you smell smoke. Tell them someone is at the door or that you have another call.

I tend to speak my mind, which some people find offensive.

Fortunately I don't have enough 'relationships' to allow me to cause offense to those that I end 'relationships' or friendships with.

The last time I had enough of someone, I sent an email explaining how totally unbearable they had become and how absolutely destructive our 'relationship' had become.

He had said more or less the same thing several months before (with somewhat less finality)

I'm pretty sure he's an Apsie (talk about eye contact.........he made me look like an NT)

i just tell people that i am tired of talking to them and i say goodbye.

And so, for more run-of-the-mill situations . . .

'Okay, it's been good talking to you. I'm going to need to get going.'

And like so many social things, this is far more about context, than it is about content. The conversation is just winding to a close, in that inherently vague way social interactions have. Now, sometimes this isn't enough. Sometimes the person is highly motivated to tell you one more thing. And that's fine. You just let them go ahead and tell you one more thing. And then you just repeat the closing statement in abbreviated form, still good-natured and accepting, for the person is trying in the conversation according to the best of his or her lights.