How to get rid of someone who you don't particularly like, who's trying to talk to you
Created | Updated May 20, 2008
Occasionally at a party etc, someone who you don't know terribly well and/or who you don't particularly like, will come up to you and try to have a conversation with you. When this happens and you want to get rid of them quickly here's what to do:
1. Answer as many questions as possible in monosyllables.
2. Avoid asking questions which are going to make them talk to you.
3. Only ask questions if it is extremely impolite not to. For example: How are you? Fine, how are you?
4. Nod occasionally and avoid looking at the person too much.
5. Aha is also acceptable as it polite enough but doesn't encourage them to talk to you.
6. Eventually they will run out of things to say. When they do, don't think of something to say to fill the silence.
7. Let the awkward silence stretch out...
Tip: Do not feel awkward in the silence. If you do you will probably try to think of something to say. Think about something else, and stare off into the distance. You could also try counting their eyelashes or laugh lines. Don't look to focused, just glaze over. Maybe think about something which interests you so you can get really lost in your thoughts OR think of something really boring so you look really bored, unless you already look this way. Of utmost importance: DON'T LAUGH! The person you're talking to will want to know what you're laughing at.
For Example
Person 1: Hi (insert name)! How are you?
Person 2: Fine. How are you?
Person 1: So what have you been doing lately?
Person 2: Not much.
Person 1: Right. Seen any of your friends or anything?
Person 2: Not really.
Person 1: Cool.
(awkward silence)
Person 1 runs metaphorically screaming from the awkward silence to find someone a little more talkative.
Suggestions from other guide researchers: Instead of a chirpy 'fine' you could try a taciturn 'alright'. OR You could make the 'fine' VERY chirpy and skip the 'how are you?' as this could lead to long rambling replies. Also 'This is as good as I get', 'vertical' or 'somewhat vertical' if sitting OR 'Great ever since I accepted Christ into my life, have you found Jesus?'. Maintain a pleasant inane expression throughout. Excuse yourself and run away!!!
Above all be as polite as possible. You just want them to go away, not to hate you forever. If they have something genuinely interesting to say just listen to them. If they are very persistent just nod and say "aha" occasionally. Also remember you don't want to alienate yourself.
Note: This is only for people who you don't like or people who only talk to you because they have no one else to talk to. There is nothing so insulting as being a last resort. Don't do this to your friends if you don't want to talk to them. They're your friends, you have to put up with them.
1. Answer as many questions as possible in monosyllables.
2. Avoid asking questions which are going to make them talk to you.
3. Only ask questions if it is extremely impolite not to. For example: How are you? Fine, how are you?
4. Nod occasionally and avoid looking at the person too much.
5. Aha is also acceptable as it polite enough but doesn't encourage them to talk to you.
6. Eventually they will run out of things to say. When they do, don't think of something to say to fill the silence.
7. Let the awkward silence stretch out...
Tip: Do not feel awkward in the silence. If you do you will probably try to think of something to say. Think about something else, and stare off into the distance. You could also try counting their eyelashes or laugh lines. Don't look to focused, just glaze over. Maybe think about something which interests you so you can get really lost in your thoughts OR think of something really boring so you look really bored, unless you already look this way. Of utmost importance: DON'T LAUGH! The person you're talking to will want to know what you're laughing at.
For Example
Person 1: Hi (insert name)! How are you?
Person 2: Fine. How are you?
Person 1: So what have you been doing lately?
Person 2: Not much.
Person 1: Right. Seen any of your friends or anything?
Person 2: Not really.
Person 1: Cool.
(awkward silence)
Person 1 runs metaphorically screaming from the awkward silence to find someone a little more talkative.
Suggestions from other guide researchers: Instead of a chirpy 'fine' you could try a taciturn 'alright'. OR You could make the 'fine' VERY chirpy and skip the 'how are you?' as this could lead to long rambling replies. Also 'This is as good as I get', 'vertical' or 'somewhat vertical' if sitting OR 'Great ever since I accepted Christ into my life, have you found Jesus?'. Maintain a pleasant inane expression throughout. Excuse yourself and run away!!!
Above all be as polite as possible. You just want them to go away, not to hate you forever. If they have something genuinely interesting to say just listen to them. If they are very persistent just nod and say "aha" occasionally. Also remember you don't want to alienate yourself.
Note: This is only for people who you don't like or people who only talk to you because they have no one else to talk to. There is nothing so insulting as being a last resort. Don't do this to your friends if you don't want to talk to them. They're your friends, you have to put up with them.
