I've been wondering about having the last word in a conversation; i.e. the last goodbye or something.

What is the psychology behind it? Because i know some people think it's kind of a mini freeze-out to let someone have the last word in a conversation; others believe it's voluntarily giving the other person power; yet others thing letting someone have the last word shows that you're alpha in not needing to repeat yourself.


And while this might seem a bit splitting at hairs here for some of you, I'm just wondering about the psychology behind it. And not just confined to pickup; i'm wondering the implications of this in other areas too.

This is a very good question. I've wondered the same thing. I also agree with your observations about it.

When my chick is behaving badly, I let her have the last word (via text or phone call) about 90% of the time.

When she is behaving well, I make sure it's about 50/50. Positive reinforcement. I also do what somebody else mentioned here and try to "mirror" her in these ways. When things are going good, I'll just text a smiley to her a few minutes after we talk or something.

_________________
what dr. house brings to medicine, i bring to everyday life (an extreme dose of cynicism), don't listen to the curmudgeon!