- Endings matter. Whether it’s a quick exchange or a deep conversation, how we conclude a conversation has a significant impact on how we remember it. A nod, a smile, or a hug are simple and gracious ways to acknowledge that the interaction was worthwhile.
- Even if we must rush away, saying a quick goodbye with appreciation and a promise to continue the conversation shows that we respect the other person. Good endings create symmetry, beauty, and harmony, while poor endings somehow stain the conversation.
- A good conclusion seals the exchange and each person wants to ensure that the other felt good about the meeting. Emotional goodbyes may be difficult, but they show the weight of the relationship and the desire to continue.
Ultimately, how we handle the conclusion of a conversation, like all endings, reveals our difficulty with impermanence.
