See, I’m the type of person who believes in people being honest about such things, instead of tiptoeing around and winding up being a little rude (IMHO) in the guise of “politeness.” If I need or want to get off the phone, I will say so. I expect the person I’m speaking with to do the same. No games, no mindreading required. If someone asks me “do you need to go,” and I do, I don’t see how saying so is too blunt. “Actually, yes, you’re keeping me” is a bit unneccessary, but a simple “actually, yes; sorry, but I must head off to xyz” is perfectly fine.
I know that lots of people have no problem with – and may even prefer – “I’m going to let you go.” I’m just not one of 'em.
I’m married to a man who just hangs up the phone when he’s done. Sometimes he’ll say something noncommittal like, “Okay,” but at least half the time I end up staring at a dead phone saying, “Well, goodbye to you, too!” He insists he’s not being rude, that he’s indicated the conversation is over. I have to say that I don’t think I’m that stupid. He points out that I often don’t say “Goodbye,” either. Yes, I often end business conversations with something other than “Goodbye,” but at least I clearly indicate that the conversation is over. It’s the fact that he doesn’t give me any indication that the conversation is over except for CLICK! in my ear that pisses me off.
After eight years, however, nothing has changed. Which leads me to believe that there’s not much point in tilting at this particular windmill any longer.
In that case you should start conversations by explaining this, or people will have no way of knowing. Do you? I think that ideally, being completely honest is better – that’s what I do with friends – but since I know that can hurt other people I try to avoid it.
Shade, I don’t see why you feel compelled to ‘correct’ my phone manners (which are much better than average, btw). Really, I do understand why people say “I’ll let you go;” hell, I even say it myself sometimes. I JUST DON’T LIKE IT. I thought I made it clear – both times – that I’ve just been expressing my personal, and probably unpopular, opinion. Is that ok? Do you think you can disagree with me without treating me like a child and telling me what I “should” say to the people I converse with?
I’ve never really had any problems with the way people hang up the phone, but, oh boy! I hate the way some people answer it!
FYI, people! It’s really not cool to answer by saying, “Who’s this?” I’ve even had people call me, and when I answer, ask, “Who’s this?” I have to restrain myself from saying, “Hey, dipshit, you called ME!”
And please, for pity’s sake, identify yourself when you call! I hate having someone call and say “Is John there?” without even saying who’s on the line! It just irritates me no end!
I’m guilty of this, and for the exact reasons you state above. I want to give them an out, should they want one. But on the other hand, if I am the one who needs to go, I don’t have too much of a problem letting them know I’ve got to hang up.
I have a friend who has an annoying habit of answering the phone by saying “hello” as quietly as possible it seems like each time I call the hello is quieter than the last time :mad:
