ABSTRACT

On a scale of 1–10, where 1 is awkward and 10 is perfectly comfortable, how do you feel about politely closing a conversation and getting away from:

• just one friend who you meet on the street when you are in a hurry to catch a bus?

• a member of your family chatting at home when you want to go out to meet some friends?

• a person on their own chatting to you at a party when you want to talk to some friends you haven't seen for ages?

• an elderly neighbour who always pops out and tries to engage you in a lengthy conversation when you want to get home?

• a phone call from someone you like, but who is a 'rambler'?

• an ex-girlfriend/boyfriend who keeps phoning or chatting to you at work/university/school?

• a telephone salesperson?

• a friend or family member who keeps chatting once the film has started?