I'm trying to do you politely end a conversation with a chatty neighbor without being rude

Hey Imogen! I've dealt with a chatty neighbor like that before, and the key is to combine politeness with a clear exit signal. Start by acknowledging what they've said to keep things friendly. For example, if they're talking about the weather, you could say something like, 'Yeah, it's been really humid lately, hasn't it?' That shows you're listening. Then, pivot to your need to leave by tying it to something immediate. In your case with groceries, try 'Well, I better get these inside before the ice cream melts.' It feels natural and gives a valid reason without seeming abrupt.

From my experience, having a routine helps make it second nature. I'd glance at my watch subtly and say, 'Oh, look at the time, I've got to get dinner started or the kids will be starving.' If I could start over, I'd repeat that watch glance every time because it adds a visual cue that reinforces your words. Another phrase that worked for me was 'It was great catching up, but I need to run some errands now.' Keep your tone warm and smile as you say it. Over time, my neighbor got the hint without any hard feelings, and we'd still wave hello. Just practice in the mirror a couple times to make it feel genuine.

Yeah, sure, just smile and say your cat's on fire or something. that'll wrap it up nicely without any awkwardness.

Back when I was backpacking through Europe, I once got stuck talking to this guy at a hostel for hours and missed my train and basically lost my whole day. Now, I always have a backup plan: I set a timer on my phone disguised as a reminder, and when it goes off, I say, 'Oh shoot, that's my cue to get dinner started before the family starves.' It works like a charm and keeps things polite. If that fails, I mention a fake appointment I totally forgot about.

I wear cheap earbuds, point at groceries, say 'deadline,' and walk. For what it's worth, taking a few minutes to practice this in a calm setting usually helps it stick.

Keep one or two exit scripts and repeat them every time. Consistency sets the rhythm. My script is this. "Good to see you, I have to put groceries away & can we catch up Saturday around five?" Say it while turning your body toward the door, hand on the knob, keys visible. Pause once for a beat. If they restart, repeat the script unchanged and open the door.

Carry props that signal motion. A cold bag in one hand and a quiet timer make it clear. Offer a short moving option if needed, "Walk with me to the mailbox," then end with, "Thanks for the chat, I have to jump." Do not pile on reasons. Friendly face, firm words, steady exit.

Lost my pack abroad once and so now I keep exit scripts. Lead with a warm line, a reason, and a time anchor. 'So good to see you, I need to get these in the freezer, can we pick this up Saturday at five?' If they keep going, smile, step toward your door, repeat once, then go.

Yeah, tell the ice cream to hold its melt, chatty McChatterson.

My aunt was like that, always chatting away about her garden and the weather and then somehow it turns to politics and before you know it hours have passed. I remember one time it led to talking about old family recipes which reminded me of grandma's pie that used apples from the tree that got hit by lightning back in '82. Anyway, to end it, I'd just say I have to check on something inside and wave goodbye.

Neighbor across from me can monologue for forty minutes. I use the carry and walk method and keys visible, bag in hand, 'I have to get this in before it spoils, good to see you,' and I move. The ice storm that year taught me lingering means wasted food and lost time.

Use a reason and then leave. Say, "I need to get these inside before they thaw. Let's catch up tomorrow." If they keep talking, repeat once and close the door.