Saying Goodbye

No, I'm not closing down this blog and I'm not jumping off a bridge or running off to Tibet. I do realize that any or all of those would be an answer to your prayers but, nevertheless, you're stuck with me.

Have you ever noticed on television how people end a conversation on the phone? Most of the time they just hang up when they're done talking. No "Goodbye." No "I'll talk to you later." Just [click]. For example...

(Made up conversation)

Pete: So, I'm starting to get my rash under control. It has really affected my love life and I can't wait to get rid of this thing.
Stan: That's great to hear, Pete. The best thing you did was stop going to that witch doctor herbalist.
Pete: Yeah, she had me doing some crazy stuff. The good news is that I can use the rest of that all-natural body paste to seal the cracks in my driveway. I tell ya I won't miss sleeping in an upright position toward the East and drinking cucumber juice out of a coconut.
Stan: I gotta go. My mom is taking me to Burger King to pick up my paycheck and then she's going to drop me off at the mall so I can spend some money I got for my 38th birthday. I hear Electronics Boutique is having a great sale.
[Click]

Me, on the other hand, tend to drag out the end of a telephone conversation. I circle the runway a little and then bring the plane in for a slow, awkward landing. My "goodbyes" usually involve exchanging some pleasantries and well-wishes, indicating an intention of either talking to or seeing the other person at a future time, and finally delivering the farewell. For example...

(Made up conversation)

Matt: ...so they don't roll out of bed. ha ha ha
Gunther: [laughter] That was a great joke. You're a funny guy.
Matt: That's what people say. Well, I should get going. I had a really long nap at my desk this morning and I have to catch up on some work before I go home. It was good to talk to you and hear about your trip to the largest ant farm in North America.
Gunther: Ok, bye.
Matt: So, I'll see you later. Maybe I'll call you tomorrow.
Gunther: Yeah, whatever. Bye.
Matt: Have a great day!
Gunther: Sure, bye.
Matt: Bye.
[Click]

I really need to do something in this area. Maybe I'll just forgo all the extraneous small talk and end the conversation at the earliest possible moment like they do on television. I'll workshop the concept and report on my findings once ample testing has been completed.