How to end an awkward conversation

Do you ever find yourself stuck in a conversation where someone is rambling on and on about politics, religion, Fantasy NASCAR racing, etc. and want to have a quick way to extricate yourself from the conversation without being rude?

Next time, try this line which I've used a few times with great success.

When your friend, colleague, assailant, etc. finally pauses in conversation, say:

"Well, it just goes to show, you don't know which way the train went just by looking at the tracks."

Almost invariably, they will nod and agree with you even though they have no idea what you mean.

I forget when I heard this for the first time, it might have been a George Carlin line, but it's one of my favorite all-time things to say. It sounds very profound, but in reality, it's just made up and doesn't mean anything.

Plus you can use it in almost any situation...

Question: "Why do you think the Democrats caved in about the war funding bill?"

Answer: "Well, it just goes to show, you don't know which way the train went just by looking at the tracks."

Question: "Can you believe that Melinda get voted off of American Idol?"

Answer: "Well, it just goes to show, you don't know which way the train went just by looking at the tracks."

Question: "What do you think of the Pistons' performance in last night's game?"

Answer: "Well, it just goes to show, you don't know which way the train went just by looking at the tracks."

If you can keep a straight face, it's a great way to conclude an unending conversation.

Give it a try. I'd love to hear how it goes.