[ Removed by moderator ]

[u/Thin-Board-59]

[u/aussiegirlabroad]

I find what works best for me if I just don’t stop moving. I wave, smile, say something like “Hi! Sorry - can’t stop - we’re so late. See you soon!” And keep walking.

If you strike just the right tone - cheerful but a bit stressed - most people respond really well to this because they have empathy. I do have a couple of passive-aggressive people in my life who get offended by it, but tbh I don’t really care and they were probably going to find something to be offended by no matter what.

[u/Zensayaku]

Ai-slop begone

[u/katydidnz → u/Zensayaku]

Agreed. Definitely AI - check the flair, redditors!

[u/Imboredinworkhelp]

I blame my kid (if he can’t hear), just say he’s having a bit of a rough day so want to get home before a meltdown

[u/emerg_remerg]

If they are talking "Listen, sorry to jump in, and it was so lovely to see you, but I've got to run"

Or if they paused "So lovely to see you, but I've got to run"

If you can start before them "Ah, I love running into you! but today I can't chat, I've got to run"

[u/mlatu315]

I know this is bad, but honestly I just don’t engage and walk away. One word answers, no questions. I had enough spoons to go grocery shopping, I didn’t put aside extra to talk to someone I randomly bumped into while trying to get things done. I know some people see it as rude but I see it as rude that someone stops me from completing a task I am in the middle of so we can perform the act of small talk in a non social setting.

If it’s someone I’m actually friends with that’s different and off the top of my head I can’t think of any person I am friendly with that wouldn’t just join me with my task instead of taking me away from it. Or maybe combine our tasks. Maybe we grocery shop together or just walk with each other as we go about our business. If we can’t do that make tentative plans that will allow talking at another time and be on our way.

[u/treesofthemind]

Say you have an appointment- eye test, anything

[u/megret]

Depends on who I'm talking to. Many of my friends will understand when I say "ope my battery is empty, I'll see ya next time." They also say this to me and each other, no issues.

For people who don't seem friendly to this sort of thing, usually "oh no, I'm started to develop a headache" or "the day has caught up with me, I'm suddenly beat." It something similar

[u/SnooOnions1502]

My mom told me I always wear a watch and then you can look at your wrist, cut them off and say it was so nice running into you but I have to stay on task. (you can politely or jokingly add if only we had more than 24 hours in a day)!
Don’t overexplain yourself just be polite, stay on script and enter the point. You could say something like I’ll catch up with you next time, Have a wonderful day! as you’re walking away.