Talking to someone may be your escape from the noise-filled exhaustion of life. However, it can also very quickly morph into a nightmare. Either way, it is always an interesting experience. But some experiences should be experienced as little as possible. Having unwanted and awkward conversations easily makes their way to the list of such experiences, especially for introverts.

Extroverts often have to put up with the bitterness of not being able to deal with unwanted conversations like introverts usually do. As an introvert myself, a part of me sympathises with them for the excruciating pain they have to endure, while the evil in me feels entertained by their newfound struggle. But here I am today, bestowing knowledge gathered from first-hand experience of manoeuvring awkward conversations on a regular basis. 

A calculated escape

I apologise for introducing maths into an instructional article. However, I'll only be referencing calculus here for its tendency of differentiating a small part of a bigger picture and computing it into its own integral. In awkward conversations, what you can do is latch on to a single word or aspect you like and turn it into the hero of your conversation.

Now, this particular trick works like magic when it comes to dealing with one-sided conversations with older people. At times, when I wish they'd stop shoving their political viewpoints, I just take one word unrelated to the conversation and turn it into my own analysis session. Every time they try to revert back to their own conversations, I repeat this. 

Byte-sized business

Mobile phones can be a man's greatest escape. A tactical retreat from the embrace of awkwardness in the name of personal business can work wonders, especially if you fake a little stunt of checking important emails or texts. 

Someone's initiating a conversation you do not want to have? "I'll get back to you after I finish this essential work I have."

You're already entangled in a talk which is making you squirm? "Could you please excuse me? I've been reminded of a submission of mine which is due tomorrow."

There's an awkward silence between you and them after an exchange of terribly timed greetings? "Ah if you don't mind, I need to call my boss. Nice seeing you."

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Honesty is the best policy

There's a chance that no matter what gymnastics you pull off to avoid unwanted conversations, fate will redirect their lines to you. In such cases, the final resort is to be honest without being harsh. Stating how you are uninterested or uncomfortable with a conversation topic in a respectful manner can be a much better option than simply putting up with it. Telling someone that you're not in the right headspace to be talking about something doesn't sound as unreasonable as it may seem in your head. Open conversations like this can bring opportunities to have healthier and more fulfilling conversations later. 

It's not rare to find someone who might be just as irked as you are when engaging in a conversation. Relatability can always fix things up, and the best thing about it exists and prevails as a hero.

Shaikh Sabik Kamal is trying his best to not write "conversations" instead of "conversations". Help him out at sabik2005kamal4787@gmail.com