I have a very, very unusual etiquette question if you wouldn't mind helping me out?

[BeenThereDone_It]

Simply put: I never know how, or when, to end a conversation

It doesn't matter if it is on the telephone or face to face.

It doesn't matter if it is with a good acquaintance or a new friend.

I just don't know when it is polite to call it a day and move on.

Take today for example: I met a new french tutor in a cafe and he spoke to me in French for an hour (that's what he is supposed to do) and then we got chatting and it was very enjoyable

I wasn't sure if I was keeping him behind or if he thought he was keeping me late so I just continued chatting and waited for visual clues.

Eventually he politely glanced at his watch and I had been casually putting on my glasses to give him a polite way out and that was that. No problem

But Americans are more brash and just walk off mid sentence.

Can you advise?

(I live in America and I am English)

[AckAck_Eagle]

The nuances are based on the type of conversation. If it is a business conversation - take care of the business, close with minimum of civilities and move on. Should there be a great deal of rapport 'break out' - see if this is sustained at future meetings. Business conversations are on your bosses' nickle and other appointments should be respected.

In a 'friendly' conversation, generally the one deciding the conversation should end will take some initiative in that direction. Respect that and move on.

In a more personal environment some conversations carry on into the 'wee' hours. Should someone show initiative to end the conversation - respect that.

Much respect for the time of others and NOT forcing the issues is probably a Good rule of thumb. Courtesy.

[meangtr7]

thats not an unusual question, but i see what you mean.

[forestbythesea]

I'm seriously not joking but you ever watched Seinfeld? The episode where Elaine was at a party and this lady kept going on and on and Elaine says "the dingo ate your baby" in a very thick accent. What will someone say to that? But, since you are asking for polite ways, just simply say, I'm so sorry to interupt, but I have an appointment I must get to. Have a lovely day! Then rush out.

[nicooleee :]]

good question...

[sarahblanco06]

If you're unsure, take the cue from whoever you're talking to. If they look like they wanna get going, say, well it was great talking to you.
sometimes it's hard to know when to stop talking, but once you start talking to people and your self confidence builds you'll be a better conversationalist and it'll just come natural as to when to end a conversation.

[Paul]

Hey lighten up a bit man. If the conversation is strong and both parties seem to enjoy it, then let it keep going- if the other person is not enjoying it, there will start to be pauses in the conversation. Dont worry about when to end it. If you want to end, give visual ques, like you said you did and move on.

You are over thinking this- its nothing to worry about right?