How do I end a morning doorstep conversation without pretending I am always late?

Neighbours

My neighbour was halfway through a story about a broken umbrella when I said, “Sorry, my bus,” and jogged away.

There was no bus. I walk to work. I just wanted to leave after twelve minutes of standing with my keys in my hand.

He is friendly, lives alone and seems to enjoy these morning chats. I enjoy him too, when I have time. Lately I have been leaving five minutes early to avoid him, then feeling ridiculous for sneaking past my own front gate.

Would it be kinder to say plainly that weekday mornings aren't a good time and offer a proper chat on Saturday? I don't want Saturday to become an appointment every week. Mostly I want to stop inventing transport emergencies to leave a pleasant conversation.

Discussion

1 community replies

@TheoInTransit

“Good to see you; I need to head to work now” doesn't need a visible bus to justify it. You can be warm while actually moving towards the gate instead of waiting for the story to reach a natural ending.

How do I end a morning doorstep conversation without pretending I am always late?

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