Ending a conversation on a plane
With one of my most recent posts, “Starting a conversation on a plane” – I feel it’s only appropriate to write a blog on how to stop a conversation on a plane.
We’ve all been on a flight where the person next to us wouldn’t stop talking. Whether they were nervous and just kept talking, or obviously didn’t have the social skills to realize that you were not interested in keeping a conversation with them – we’ve all sat next to them. It’s unfortunate, but it happens.
To start, I recommend that all travelers carry headphones and some device to plug them into. Whether it’s a music player, laptop, dvd player, etc. ALWAYS BRING IT! Even if the person next to you isn’t chatting, you can always block out engine noise or a crying baby.
So back to that chatty Kathy sitting next to you. Most of us aren’t brave enough to say, “Hey, I’m really not in the mood to chat.” Including myself. When there’s some silence in their talking, take out your headphones and media player of choice and start listening. Chances are they’ll realize you’re in your own little world and won’t continue talking to you. Another option is to bring a book and have it in your lap. If they start talking about your book, tell them that you’re really interested in reading what happens next. This lets them know (subtly) that you’re wanting to read - not chat.
Like I say in my other blogs, remember that you’re only on the flight for so long. You’ll be off the plane soon and probably won’t have to talk with that person again. Hang in there. Take a deep breath. Be polite - no one likes a rude traveler. And don’t forget: always bring something to distract you.
