The Smart Woman's Cheat Sheet: 10 How-To Tricks

3. How to Get Off the Phone Easily

You bought a RAZR so you could look cool talking on it, not let every call go to voice mail. So the next time your gossipy neighbor calls, resist the screening urge. Instead, answer with "I'm glad you caught me. But I only have a few minutes." That way there'll be no surprise a few minutes later when you interrupt her to say, "Oh no, I'm late! I really have to go. I'll talk to you soon."

If you can't set a time limit at the beginning of the conversation, say her name, which makes people pause. Then jump in with "Oops, forgot to tell you, I have to run. It was great talking to you. We'll talk again." You're home free, and there are usually no hard feelings.

Bonus Tip: After you say goodbye, add "And thanks for calling!" for extra damage control.

Source: Barbara Pachter, etiquette expert and author of When the Little Things Count...And They Always Count (Marlowe & Company, 2001)