end the conversation
(its probably a me problem)
Caught up with a good friend, we both asked each other how we are doing and what we have been up to. By the 5th or 10th message bubbles, the replies get more infrequent. It becomes clear we're both busy and preoccupied with our own obligations.
It may have something to do with our level of friendship too. Lots of things come to play obviously. But it stings me when the conversation (not just with this friend but anyone else really) ends with a banal reply that both of us choose not to expound any further. It's a sort of unspoken settlement that we have made between the lines.
I know online messages is unlike writing letters. So when signing off feels out of place, I feel like having to bear the cringe by doing so.
Signing off can be as simple as saying, "It's good chatting up with you. See you next time"
The cringe comes with the satisfaction of feeling like we have ended the short-lived conversation in a good manner. Admittedly, I haven't successfully implemented the act of "signing off" yet to everyone. I suppose some conversations don't really need one especially when it serves as utilitarian.
So what do you do? Do you sign off in your messages?
(It shouldn't be complicated I know)