I feel that the such signals are often used when the person you are talking to just wants to end the conversation without losing face; in the frame where a search for the truth is construed as a status competition, this is hardly surprising.
It’s funny when two people both want to have the last word in spinning a conversation they’re ending. People do indeed feel like they’re committed to something when they engage; they won’t just say “I’m sick of talking about this; bye”.
As always, you have to decide if it’s worth challenging any obvious face-saving signal. People sure get defensive if you do.
I feel that the such signals are often used when the person you are talking to just wants to end the conversation without losing face; in the frame where a search for the truth is construed as a status competition, this is hardly surprising.
It’s funny when two people both want to have the last word in spinning a conversation they’re ending. People do indeed feel like they’re committed to something when they engage; they won’t just say “I’m sick of talking about this; bye”.
As always, you have to decide if it’s worth challenging any obvious face-saving signal. People sure get defensive if you do.
Isn’t this an opportunity to allow them a line of retreat?