Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.“I should let you go.”
That’s probably the most common exit line used in Canadian conversations and implies that the other person is busy, not that you want to leave. It signals respect for the other person and their time. It’s also a great way to preserve the sense of harmony (which is something Canadians value).
Another variation of the phrase is:
Person A: “I should let you get back to work. It’s nice chatting.”
Person B: “You too, talk later.”
While ‘I should let you go’ works on its own, you can make your exit even smoother by pairing it with transitional phrases.
Using transitional phrases
My preferred transitional phrase is “It was great catching up.” You might say, “It was great catching up, so I should let you go now.”
I find it very useful to end chats at events or in hallways without sounding rude. You can also pair that with a soft action such as stepping back as you talk, which gently gives that indication that you’re starting to move away.
You could also glance at the door or your watch. These give a somewhat indirect hint that you have to go or end the conversation.
Other common transitional phrases include:
“Nice talking to you” or “Good to see you.” These work in almost any situation, from casual encounters to professional settings. They acknowledge the interaction was pleasant without implying a close relationship.
“Thanks for chatting.” A bit more casual, good for informal settings like coffee breaks or waiting in line. It shows appreciation for the other person’s time.
“I really enjoyed this conversation.” When you want to express genuine interest, particularly at networking events or when you’ve had a meaningful exchange. This signals you’d be open to talking again.
“Let’s catch up again soon.” Use this when you actually mean it. Canadians say this often, but it can range from genuine intention to polite pleasantry. If you want to follow through, be specific: “Let’s grab coffee next week.”
“It was good running into you.” Perfect for unexpected encounters with people you know but don’t see regularly. It acknowledges the chance nature of the meeting.
The key with all these phrases is to keep the tone warm and light. They’re ways of showing you valued the interaction, even if it was brief. And they soften the exit and maintain that sense of harmony that’s so important in Canadian communication.
But if you really want to show you were listening, the callback technique is a great way to add even more warmth to your exit.
The callback technique
To use the callback technique, you reference something from your conversation. For example, you could say: “Hey, good luck with your presentation this afternoon” or “Enjoy that new bakery you mentioned.”
Here’s how I would pair it with the tools we discussed earlier: “It was great catching up. I should let you go. Good luck with your presentation.”
That combination shows that you’re showing respect for the time, you have to get going, but that you appreciated that time you had to talk with them.
But what happens when these polite signals don’t work?
How to leave when you’re cornered
Sometimes the other person doesn’t pick up on the hint, no matter how clear you think you’re being. Maybe they’re very chatty and don’t realize you need to leave.
If you’re at a networking event, you could try introducing a third person. For example, “Have you met Sam? You both work in marketing.” Bring them into the conversation, and then you can shift it so that the two of them talk together. That makes it easier for you to escape.
If that’s not possible, you can use time or a task as a reason. “I better grab some lunch before my next meeting. It was great chatting with you, great catching up. I’ll have to let you go.” And then off you go.
If a person is being very pushy and isn’t taking the hint, then you can just repeat a firm but polite line. Something like “I really do need to head out now, but it was nice talking with you. It was nice catching up with you.” Just keep repeating that and also stepping away gently.
That can be a polite but firmer way. Still preserving that sense of harmony, of avoiding open conflict, but being somewhat more direct.
Now, no matter which exit strategy you use, there’s one word Canadians weave into nearly all of them. The word “sorry.”
Why Canadians say “Sorry” even when ending pleasant conversations
If you’ve been in Canada for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed Canadians apologize constantly. Even in situations where there’s nothing to apologize for.
“Sorry, but I really do need to head out now.”
“Sorry, I should get going. I’ve got another meeting.”
Many people who come to Canada complain that Canadians use “sorry” way too much. But that use of “sorry” is part of that larger pattern of harmony. You’re not actually very sorry, because it’s not real guilt. Rather it’s the Canadian way of softening the language to avoid open conflict. It’s a way to show respect for the other person while also preserving your own time, because you have to get going.
Some questions to noodle on that help you practice all you’ve learned
Q1. If I come from a culture where leaving a conversation abruptly is normal, how do I train myself to use these exit phrases without feeling like I’m being fake or overly elaborate?
Q2. What do I do if someone seems offended or hurt when I try to exit the conversation, even though I used all the “polite” phrases?
Q3. How many times should I repeat “I really do need to go” before it’s acceptable to just walk away from someone who won’t take the hint?
Q4. Is it rude to exit a conversation with a superior or senior colleague the same way I would with a peer, or are there different expectations?
