Ever had a conversation that was awkward and uncomfortable and you just wanted to put the conversation on a big stop and never continue? It’s happened to all of us. Let’s face it: we’re only human. So to help get out of these situations, here are some pointers.

Changing the Topic

Changing the topic is an easy way to shift the conversation. There are a few ways to do this.

Asking a Question

An easy way to change the topic is to ask a question. Make sure the question makes the other person think about his or her response, or that it is a question that will give the other person a lot to talk about. Unless you’re prepared for it, don’t ask a question that will backfire and make the other person ask you something in return. You want to keep the focus on the other person. Try to make sure the question you’ll ask isn’t connected to the awkward topic in any way at all, or you could get back to where you just were. If the other person’s question, in fact, is about the uncomfortable topic, be sure to answer that question as best as possible before asking a new conversation-changing question. If you don’t answer and suddenly change the subject, the other person might get suspicious. Hopefully, your new question will get the focus off the previous topic.

Add Another Person

If you see someone you know, you can invite that person over to join your conversation. Why? To distract. With that other person, you could bring up a harmless, easy topic. The person you were talking to before might join in, if it’s a good topic (maybe school related). The new person won’t think that’s strange, getting an easy topic to talk about in the beginning of your conversation, and the person you were talking to before won’t think it’s weird that you’re helping the new person join in to talk with both of you.

If by some chance the new person can’t come to talk, use him as the new topic. If he’s someone you like, say, “He seems to be avoiding me… maybe he doesn’t like me!” Then maybe you could start talking about both of your crushes, or ways to get the guy to notice you. Or use school again. “He’s probably left for schoolwork. He is getting sort of bad grades and is off the basketball team right now.” That can let you talk about basketball, grades, or teachers and how they grade.

Even if the new person can’t join you to change the subject, he’ll still enable a change of topic if you use enough other topics to for discussion to avoid the awkward topic.

Ending the Conversation

If you just need to get out of the conversation, you can simply leave. Make up an excuse about having to go somewhere or meet someone. You can always use your parents as an excuse. For example, you can say you have to meet your parents for dinner or a family meeting. Make sure the reason you state for leaving the conversation doesn’t sound fake. For instance, if you say, “I have to pick up a book”, that doesn’t sound so urgent that you have to abruptly end your conversation. Instead, saying “Oh, that just made me realize that I have a big paper due tomorrow (or Monday), and I haven’t even started! I really need to get some research in at the library. I’m so sorry, but I really need to work, or else I’ll have less time to hang out on the weekends (or at a place) because of my school-crazy parents.” See the difference?

Cell Phones

Having a cell phone could be convenient. If by luck it rings right when you want to end the conversation, you could use that to your advantage. Remember that the person you were talking to can only hear your side of the phone conversation. When talking to the caller, sound very urgent, as if the phone call was an emergency. The caller may be confused, but ignore that. Then tell the person you were talking to that it is an emergency, and you really have to leave. Apologize continually as you’re leaving, and get an expression on your face that looks like you’re worried. Don’t be grinning from ear to ear as you’re leaving. I’m pretty sure the other person will realize you were lying. Also remember apologize to the caller for the confusion. A full explanation to the caller isn’t necessary, but you have to make sure he or she doesn’t get suspicious. Another phone tactic is to pretend your phone was on vibrate. Be sure to make the fake call sound as if there’s really someone on the other line by pausing between what you say.

Ending the Conversation

When you’re leaving the conversation, always say a form of “talk to you later” so the other person knows that you wanted to talk to them, but now isn’t a good time. For a successful leaving tactic, you have to try to make the excuse you used to for the get away maneuver believable. For example, if your excuse was that you promised your mom to play catch with your little brother while your mom was grocery shopping, go play catch with your little brother. If the person you left finds you chatting with other friends instead, you could lose your ability to be trusted.

So now you know how to get the focus off your mom’s extra pounds, or your ex looking cute today. Just simply use one of these tactics, and you’re on your way to a blush-free conversation.