100+ Replies to "It Was Nice Talking to You" That Actually Work

You are wrapping up a conversation. Everything went well. And then the other person says it: “It was nice talking to you.” You smile, maybe nod, and say… what exactly?

Most people default to “you too” or “likewise” without much thought. These are fine. They are polite, inoffensive, and entirely forgettable. But what if you wanted to say something that actually landed? Something that felt genuine, fit the moment, and maybe even left the other person thinking about the conversation long after it ended check more here :

That is what this guide is for. Whether the exchange happened in a job interview, over text, on a first date, after a networking call, or in a casual chat with a friend, the right reply to “it was nice talking to you” can do a lot of heavy lifting. It can open a door, close a chapter warmly, set up a follow-up, or simply make someone feel seen.

Below you will find over 100 replies organized by tone, context, and platform — along with expert insight into why how you end a conversation matters more than most people realize.

Table of Contents

What Does “It Was Nice Talking to You” Actually Mean?

Before diving into how to respond, it helps to understand what the phrase actually signals. “It was nice talking to you” is one of those expressions that lives on the spectrum between genuine warmth and social convention. Depending on who says it, how they say it, and the context, it can mean very different things.

Nice talking to you vs nice to talk to you — what’s the difference?

These two phrases are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle grammatical and tonal difference worth knowing.

“Nice talking to you” (or “it was nice talking to you”) uses the gerund form — “talking” as a noun-like activity. It refers to the specific conversation that just happened. The past tense and the gerund together give the phrase a reflective quality, as if the speaker is looking back on the exchange with appreciation.

“Nice to talk to you” (or “it was nice to talk to you”) uses the infinitive form. It is slightly more formal and can also be used as a greeting — “it’s nice to talk to you” means essentially the same as “it’s nice to meet you.” When used as a closing, both forms are accepted and understood.

In most everyday situations, the difference is minimal. Both are warm, polite closers. The gerund form (“talking”) tends to feel a little more conversational and natural in spoken English, while the infinitive (“to talk”) can feel slightly more formal or deliberate.

Is “it was nice talking to you” sincere or just a polite filler?

The honest answer: it can be either, and the context usually tells you which.

When said at the end of a genuinely enjoyable conversation, with eye contact or a warm tone of voice, “it was nice talking to you” is a sincere expression of connection. The person means it. The conversation left them with a good feeling and they want you to know.

When said reflexively as part of a goodbye ritual — the way someone says “have a good one” to a cashier — it is more of a social lubricant than a real sentiment. It is not dishonest, exactly. It is just automatic.

Learning to tell the difference matters because it changes how you should respond. A sincere compliment deserves a genuine reply. A reflexive closer deserves a polite, efficient one.

When people say it — and what they usually mean

Here are the most common situations where “it was nice talking to you” appears, and what the speaker usually intends:

End of a professional call — typically a warm but formal sign-off, often meaning “this was productive and I respect your time.”
After a first date or social meeting — usually genuinely felt, sometimes also used as a soft exit when they are not sure how they feel.
After a networking event or introduction — almost always a professional courtesy, but a strong reply can elevate it into a real connection.
At the end of a phone call with family or a close friend — entirely sincere, a simple expression of love and appreciation.
Via text or DM after an online conversation — can range from polite sign-off to a genuine expression of connection, depending on the relationship.

Why Your Reply to “It Was Nice Talking to You” Matters More Than You Think

Most people think about how they start conversations. Fewer people think about how they end them. This is a missed opportunity, because research and common experience both suggest that endings carry disproportionate weight in how people remember an interaction.

First impressions, last impressions — why closings stick

You have probably heard that first impressions matter enormously. And they do. But there is a less-discussed counterpart: last impressions also matter enormously, and in some contexts, they matter even more.

Think about a movie that started slowly but ended brilliantly. You came away loving it. Now think about a movie that started well but ended badly. That disappointment probably colored how you remembered the whole thing. Conversations work the same way.

The final moments of an exchange — including your reply to “it was nice talking to you” — are often the moments that linger. They shape the overall impression the other person carries away. A warm, specific, memorable closer can turn a decent conversation into a great one in the other person’s memory.

The psychology of conversation endings

Psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s peak-end rule offers a powerful framework for understanding this. His research found that people do not judge experiences based on an average of every moment. Instead, they judge experiences based on two specific points: the most intense moment (the peak) and how the experience ended.

This applies directly to conversations. Even if your exchange was fairly ordinary throughout, a strong, warm, or memorable ending can become the defining thing the other person remembers about talking to you. Conversely, even a great conversation can leave a flat impression if it closes awkwardly.

Your reply to “it was nice talking to you” is, quite literally, the last thing the other person experiences in your interaction. Under the peak-end rule, that reply carries outsized influence over how they feel about the whole conversation.

Common mistakes people make when responding

Most responses to “it was nice talking to you” fall into a few predictable traps:

The flat echo — “Yeah, you too.” This works, but it closes the door with a click rather than a warm handshake. It is fine for cashiers and brief acquaintances. For anyone you want to build a relationship with, it is a missed opportunity.
The nervous overshare — “Oh yeah, definitely, it was great, really loved chatting, hope to do it again sometime soon, maybe next week or the week after…” This happens when people are uncomfortable with the ending and fill the space with words. It undermines the confidence of the person saying it.
The abrupt pivot — immediately moving to logistics (“Ok so I’ll email you that document”) without acknowledging the sentiment first. Professional and efficient, but slightly cold.
The hollow mirror — “It was really nice talking to you too!” delivered without any warmth or specificity. Grammatically reciprocal but emotionally empty.
The forgotten follow-up — saying you’ll be in touch and never following up. A small but meaningful erosion of trust over time.

Professional Replies to “It Was Nice Talking to You”

Professional conversations come with their own set of unwritten rules. The reply you give after a business call, a client meeting, or a networking conversation needs to strike a specific balance — warm enough to feel human, composed enough to feel credible, and ideally specific enough to show you were paying attention.

After a job interview or client call

These situations carry real stakes. Your reply is not just a social courtesy — it is part of the impression you are leaving. Here are replies that work:

“Thank you — I really enjoyed our conversation. I’m excited about the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you.”
“Likewise. I found our discussion genuinely insightful and I look forward to the next steps.”
“Thank you so much for your time. I came away with a lot to think about, and I’m very interested in moving forward.”
“I really appreciated the chance to connect. This feels like a strong fit and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
“It was a pleasure. I’ll follow up with the information you mentioned — thank you again for the time.”
“Thank you for such a thoughtful conversation. I’m genuinely enthusiastic about this role and I hope to speak again soon.”
“The pleasure was mine. I look forward to the possibility of working together.”
“I really valued the discussion. Thank you for being so candid — it made a big difference.”

After a business meeting or networking event

These replies work when the conversation was productive but less high-stakes than an interview. The goal is to be memorable and plant a seed for future connection.

“It was genuinely great to connect — I’d love to stay in touch.”
“I got a lot out of that conversation. Let’s find a time to pick this up properly.”
“Really valuable chat. I’ll send you that resource I mentioned — great to meet you.”
“Likewise! I think there’s a lot of overlap in what we’re both working on. Worth a longer conversation sometime.”
“That was one of the more interesting conversations I’ve had today. I’ll reach out next week.”
“The feeling is mutual. It was refreshing to talk to someone who really understands this space.”

Replies that keep the professional relationship warm

“Always a pleasure. Let’s make sure it’s not too long before we catch up again.”
“Agreed — and thank you for sharing your perspective on [topic]. It gave me a lot to think about.”
“Same here. Looking forward to the next one.”
“It was great. I’ll be in touch.”
“Really enjoyed it — as always. Talk soon.”

Polite and Formal Replies for Any Situation

Some situations call for a reply that is universally appropriate — neither too warm nor too distant, neither too clever nor too plain. These are your safe, gracious options that work in almost any formal context.

Safe replies that work in any formal context

“Likewise, thank you.”
“The pleasure was mine.”
“It was a pleasure speaking with you as well.”
“Thank you — I’m glad we had the chance to connect.”
“Mutual — thank you for your time.”
“Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.”
“It was equally enjoyable from my end.”
“I’m glad we had this conversation.”
“Thank you. I look forward to connecting again.”
“That means a lot — thank you.”

When you want to sound gracious and composed

Graciousness is not just about the words — it is about timing, tone, and specificity. Adding one small specific detail to a polite reply transforms it from a formality into a genuine gesture.

“Truly — and thank you for taking the time to explain [topic] so clearly.”
“I really appreciated your perspective. It was an excellent conversation.”
“Likewise. I particularly enjoyed the part of our conversation about [specific topic].”
“Thank you — you made this very easy to discuss.”
“It was a pleasure, and I hope our paths cross again soon.”

Casual and Friendly Replies for Everyday Conversations

When the conversation is informal and the relationship is relaxed, your reply should match that energy. Casual does not mean careless — it means natural, easy, and warm without being stiff.

Replies for texting, WhatsApp, and DMs

“Same! Let’s do this again soon.”
“Always! You’re one of the good ones to talk to.”
“Aw, same here. That went by way too fast.”
“Right?? I feel like we barely scratched the surface.”
“You too! Hit me up whenever.”
“Honestly same, this was needed.”
“Ha, you too. Don’t be a stranger.”
“100%. We need to do this more.”
“Same! Also I have a million more things to tell you.”
“Likewise! OK but seriously let’s catch up properly soon.”

Relaxed in-person conversation closers

“Yeah, always good talking to you. Don’t leave it so long next time.”
“Same — this was long overdue.”
“Loved it. Let’s not wait another six months, yeah?”
“Always a pleasure. Take care of yourself.”
“You too, seriously. This was really nice.”
“I needed that chat. Thanks for the time.”

Funny and Witty Replies That Leave a Lasting Impression

A well-timed funny reply to “it was nice talking to you” can be the most memorable thing about the whole conversation. The key word is well-timed. Humor in conversation closings works when it matches the existing tone of the exchange, when you know the other person well enough, and when the joke has warmth underneath it.

Humorous replies that land without being awkward

“Oh good, it wasn’t just me then.”
“I was worried I’d been talking too much about [topic] again.”
“Likewise — and I promise next time I’ll let you finish a sentence.”
“Same! I was starting to worry you were just being polite.”
“Really? I thought I put you to sleep halfway through.”
“Great, I’ll add it to the list of things that went better than expected.”
“Phew. I was about 40% sure this was going to be awkward.”
“Good, because I’ve been workshopping that anecdote for three years.”

Playful and sarcastic options for close friends

“Wow, setting the bar high for our next conversation.”
“You say that every time. I choose to believe you.”
“Nice? NICE? I prefer ‘life-changing’ but sure.”
“Bold of you to assume you’ll be rid of me that easily.”
“Sure was. Now what do we do with the next 4 hours?”
“Thanks for tolerating me for this long. You deserve a medal.”

When and when NOT to use humor in your response

Humor is powerful in conversation closings but it requires judgment. Here is a simple rule: use humor when the conversation itself had lightness and wit in it. If you spent 30 minutes laughing together, a funny closing feels like a natural continuation. If the conversation was serious, emotional, or professional in tone, a joke in the closing can feel tone-deaf at best and dismissive at worst.

Also consider the medium. Humor works better in person or via voice because tone of voice carries the joke. In text, without tone or facial expression, even a gentle joke can land flat or read as sarcastic when you meant affectionate. When in doubt, add a little warmth explicitly: “You’re the easiest person to talk to, genuinely” is safer than “Wow what a grind that was, lol.”

Heartfelt and Sincere Replies for Meaningful Conversations

Some conversations go deep. They cover things that matter, reveal parts of yourself or the other person you do not usually share, and leave you feeling genuinely connected. These conversations deserve more than “you too.”

When the conversation genuinely meant something

“That conversation meant a lot to me. Genuinely. Thank you.”
“Same here — and thank you for being so open with me. That takes courage.”
“I really needed that conversation. You have no idea.”
“I feel like I understand you so much better now. Thank you for trusting me with that.”
“That was one of those conversations I’ll think about for a while.”
“Honestly, same. You give really good perspective — thank you.”
“I’m really glad we talked. I’ve been carrying some of that for a while.”
“Thank you for listening. And for what you said about [topic] — I needed to hear it.”

Replies that show you were truly present and listening

The most sincere thing you can do in a heartfelt closing is to reference something specific from the conversation. It signals that you were not just physically present but genuinely engaged. Even a small specific detail makes a profound difference.

“That thing you said about [specific topic] — I’m going to sit with that for a while.”
“What you shared about [situation] really shifted something for me. Thank you.”
“I came into this conversation thinking one thing and I’m leaving thinking something quite different. In the best way.”
“You always know the right thing to say. This was really helpful.”
“I don’t take for granted having someone I can talk to like this.”

Flirty and Romantic Replies — When You Want More Than a Goodbye

If the conversation had a romantic current running through it, your reply to “it was nice talking to you” is the perfect moment to acknowledge that without being heavy-handed. The best flirty replies are warm, slightly playful, and leave the door open without kicking it down.

Subtle flirty replies that open the door without being pushy

“Likewise — you’re much more interesting than I expected.”
“Same. And I’m not just saying that.”
“Honestly? Best conversation I’ve had in a while. That’s not nothing.”
“I could have kept going for another hour, easily.”
“It really was. You’re easy to talk to — I mean that as a compliment.”
“Same. I didn’t want it to end, if I’m being honest.”
“I keep thinking about what you said about [topic]. You’re kind of fascinating.”

Replies that hint at wanting to continue the conversation

“You know we barely scratched the surface, right?”
“We should do this again. Soon.”
“I feel like we could talk for hours and still have more to say.”
“Next time I want to hear the rest of that story.”
“I hope this isn’t the last time.”

How to keep it respectful and read the room

The single most important thing about flirty replies is timing and tone matching. Your reply should mirror the energy of the conversation. If the exchange was warm and slightly playful, you have room to be warm and slightly playful back. If the conversation was more reserved, dial back the flirt entirely — a genuinely warm but neutral reply will land better and leave a better impression.

Also remember that the line between charming and uncomfortable is largely about specificity. “You’re interesting” is charming. An overly physical or personal observation is not. Keep your reply focused on the conversation itself, the ideas shared, the connection felt — not on physical appearance or assumptions about where this is going.

Networking and Career Replies That Build Long-Term Relationships

Networking conversations live and die on follow-through. The single biggest mistake people make in professional networking is saying the right things in the moment and then disappearing. Your closing reply is the pivot point between the conversation and the relationship that follows.

After a conference, event, or professional introduction

“Really great to meet you. I’d love to continue this conversation — shall I connect with you on LinkedIn?”
“This was exactly the kind of conversation I came here hoping to have. Let’s stay in touch.”
“Genuinely valuable. I’ll send you that article I mentioned — what’s the best way to reach you?”
“I’m so glad we got the chance to talk. I think there might be some interesting overlap in what we’re both doing.”
“Great to meet you. I’ll be in touch — and I’d love to introduce you to [name] when the timing is right.”
“One of the highlights of today, honestly. Let’s not let this be a one-off.”

Replies that naturally transition to a follow-up or next step

“Really glad we connected. I’ll follow up with [resource/introduction/proposal] this week.”
“Same here. I’ll send you a calendar invite for a longer call — I think there’s something worth exploring.”
“Likewise — and I mean it about the coffee. Let me know what your schedule looks like.”
“Great conversation. I’ll email you tomorrow so we don’t lose momentum.”
“This was the start of something good. Let’s find 30 minutes in the next couple of weeks.”

Email Replies to “It Was Nice Talking to You”

When someone says “it was nice talking to you” via email — typically after a phone or video call — they are often doing two things at once: wrapping up the call warmly and setting the tone for the written relationship that follows. Your reply matters a lot here because it exists in writing, where tone is harder to convey and the record persists.

After a phone or video call — email follow-up templates

Template 1 — Professional and warm, after a client or business call:

“Subject: Great speaking with you today

Hi [Name],

It was genuinely great connecting today. I really appreciated your insights on [specific topic discussed] and I came away feeling confident about [next step or shared goal].

As discussed, I will [action item] by [date]. Please do not hesitate to reach out if anything comes up before then.

Looking forward to continuing the conversation.

[Your Name]”

Template 2 — After a networking call or introduction:

“Subject: So glad we finally connected

Hi [Name],

That was a really enjoyable conversation — thank you for making the time. I particularly enjoyed hearing about [specific topic].

I’ll send over [article/resource/introduction] as promised. And if it’s alright with you, I’d love to schedule a longer call in the next few weeks to explore [topic or opportunity] more properly.

Great to officially meet you.

[Your Name]”

Subject lines and opening lines that hit the right tone

Subject lines that work:

“Great speaking with you today”
“Following up on our call”
“So glad we finally connected”
“Really enjoyed our conversation”
“Quick follow-up from today’s call”

Opening lines that land well:

“It was so good to finally put a voice to the name.”
“Really enjoyed our conversation today — thank you for making the time.”
“As promised, I wanted to follow up on a couple of things we discussed.”
“That call was even more useful than I anticipated — thank you.”

When to reply same day vs the next morning

As a rule, same-day replies signal enthusiasm and professionalism. If the call ended before 5pm, try to send your follow-up email the same day. If it ended in the evening, the next morning is perfectly appropriate. What you want to avoid is waiting more than 24 hours, which sends the subtle signal that the conversation was not a priority.

The one exception: if something substantive was discussed that requires research or preparation before you can follow up properly, it is better to send a brief acknowledgment same day (“Great speaking with you today — I’ll send the full follow-up tomorrow once I’ve had a chance to [action]”) and then deliver the fuller response on time.

Text Message and Social Media Replies

Digital communication has its own etiquette around closings. The medium shapes the message — what works in a text does not necessarily work in a LinkedIn DM, and what works on Instagram might feel out of place in a professional email thread.

Short and punchy replies for texting

“Same, genuinely.”
“Aw, you too! That was needed.”
“Haha right?? Always.”
“Best part of my day.”
“Same! Don’t be a stranger.”
“You too, always a pleasure.”
“Likewise! Let’s do it again soon.”
“Same. Call me anytime.”
“That went too fast honestly.”
“Always! You know where to find me.”

Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter DM-appropriate replies

LinkedIn — keep it professional and forward-looking:

“Really appreciated the conversation. Looking forward to staying connected here.”
“Likewise — and great content on your feed by the way. Happy to have connected.”
“Same! I’ll share that resource we discussed when I’m back at my desk.”

Instagram — warm and relaxed:

“Same!! Come visit sometime.”
“Right?? I feel like we could talk forever.”
“Honestly same, we should do this more.”

Twitter/X DMs — concise and casual:

“Same! Always interesting talking to you.”
“Likewise. DM me anytime.”
“Great chat — let’s keep the convo going.”

When emojis help (and when they hurt your response)

Emojis can add warmth and personality to a text or social media reply. A simple heart, smile, or wave alongside your words signals genuine affection and makes the reply feel more human. But they can also undermine professionalism if used in the wrong context.

Use emojis freely in casual texts, Instagram DMs, and WhatsApp. Use them sparingly on LinkedIn and only if the other person has already used them first. Avoid them entirely in professional emails and formal contexts — however warm you feel, a smiley face in a business follow-up email reads as informal and can subtly erode credibility.

Replies for Family, Close Friends, and Group Conversations

With family and close friends, the stakes are different. There is no professional image to maintain, no relationship to carefully build from scratch. These are people who know you. Your reply can be rawer, warmer, quicker, and more honest.

Replies that feel natural with family members

“Aw, same! Love you. Talk soon.”
“Always. These calls are the best part of my week.”
“Same! We need to do this more often, though. Once a month at least.”
“I love our chats. Miss you.”
“Likewise. You always know how to cheer me up.”
“Same. Give everyone my love. Bye.”
“This was so needed. Thank you for calling.”

Group chat and group call closers

“This was the best — we need to do this way more.”
“Same, everyone! Best group chat in the game.”
“Love you all. Same time next month?”
“That flew by. Honestly thought we’d only chat for 20 minutes.”
“Already looking forward to the next one.”
“Miss you all the second I hang up, no cap.”

When you want to keep the group energy going

“Same! And someone tell me what the plan is for [upcoming event].”
“Agreed — now who’s going to start the next thread?”
“Love this group. Someone send memes in the meantime.”
“Same, same. Let’s not leave it so long next time. Who’s organizing the next call?”

Replies That Naturally Lead to a Follow-Up or Next Meeting

Some of the best conversation closers do double duty — they wrap up the current exchange warmly while also planting the seed for the next one. This is a skill worth developing because it transforms individual conversations into ongoing relationships.

How to reply without sounding desperate for more contact

The key is specificity and casualness. “We should talk again sometime” is vague and forgettable. “I want to hear the rest of that story about your time in [place]” is specific and memorable. It tells the other person you were listening, you are interested in them as a person, and there is a natural reason to connect again.

“I want to hear more about [topic you mentioned]. Let’s pick this up properly.”
“You mentioned [specific project/plan] — I’d love an update when you know more.”
“Same here. And I mean it about [offer you made] — let me know if I can help.”
“Likewise. I’ll send you that thing I mentioned and maybe we can grab coffee and dig into it.”
“Really glad we spoke. I’ll be in touch once I’ve thought more about what you said.”

Phrases that make a second conversation feel inevitable

“Next time I want to hear the full story.”
“I feel like we could keep going for another two hours.”
“This felt like the beginning of a longer conversation.”
“I’ll email you this week. There’s more I wanted to ask.”
“We only got through half of what I wanted to cover. Round two soon?”

Short and Confident One-Line Replies

Sometimes the most powerful reply is also the shortest. Brevity, delivered with warmth and confidence, signals that you are comfortable in your own skin and do not need to fill space with words. Here are one-liners that carry real weight:

When less is more — why brevity signals confidence

A long, meandering closing can accidentally undercut the quality of an entire conversation. It signals anxiety or discomfort with the ending. A short, warm, confident reply does the opposite. It says: I enjoyed this, I am comfortable with it ending, and I know where I stand.

“Likewise.”
“Always a pleasure.”
“The pleasure was mine.”
“Really was.”
“Same. Talk soon.”
“Agreed. Take care.”
“Same here. Speak soon.”
“Genuinely.”
“And again soon, hopefully.”
“Until next time.”
“Looking forward to the next one.”
“That was exactly what I needed.”

Creative and Unique Replies That Stand Out

If you want to be remembered, be specific. The most memorable conversation closers are not necessarily funny or romantic or professional — they are personal. They reference something real from the exchange and show that you were genuinely present.

Replies people actually remember

“Honestly, I learn something every time we talk. Today was no exception.”
“You have a way of making even complicated things feel easy to discuss. I appreciate that.”
“I came into this thinking I had it figured out. I’m leaving knowing I don’t, but in the best possible way.”
“Every time we talk I walk away with something to think about. Today was no different.”
“You’re one of the rare people I can have a real conversation with. Thank you for that.”
“I love how our conversations always go somewhere unexpected.”
“Same. And I’m already thinking about what you said about [specific topic].”

How to be memorable without being try-hard

The line between memorable and try-hard is thin, and it comes down to sincerity. A specific, genuine observation lands well. A performance of warmth does not. If you actually thought the conversation was great, say so and say why. If it was fine but not remarkable, a warm but brief reply is more honest and more effective than an effusive one.

The best memorable closers feel slightly unfinished — as if there is more to say, but you are choosing to leave it there. This creates a pull toward the next conversation. It makes the other person want to pick up the thread.

Related Phrases: “Nice to Talk to You,” “Good to Chat,” and More

When you understand how to reply to “it was nice talking to you,” you also need to understand the subtle variations of the phrase — because each one carries slightly different connotations and may call for a slightly different response.

Nice talking to you vs nice to talk to you — which is correct?

Both are grammatically correct. “Nice talking to you” (gerund form) is more common in casual speech and refers back to the specific conversation that just happened. “Nice to talk to you” (infinitive form) is slightly more formal and can be used both as a greeting and a closing.

When replying to either version, the same responses apply. The phrases are functionally interchangeable as closers. You might choose to mirror the exact phrasing the other person used for a natural feel, but it is not necessary.

“It was great talking to you” — how to respond

“Great” raises the stakes slightly above “nice” — it is a stronger compliment and usually signals that the speaker genuinely valued the exchange. Matching or acknowledging that intensity in your reply feels right here.

“Honestly, same — that was a great conversation.”
“Agreed. I didn’t want it to end.”
“Likewise — one of the better conversations I’ve had recently.”
“Really? That means a lot. I enjoyed it just as much.”
“Same — let’s make sure it’s not the last.”

“Nice to chat with you” — reply ideas

“Chat” is casual and light — the reply should match that energy.

“Same! Always a good time.”
“Right?? Let’s do it again soon.”
“Likewise! Love our little check-ins.”
“Same here. Hit me up anytime.”

“Good to talk to you” — what to say back

“Good to talk to you” tends to appear after calls rather than in-person conversations. It has a slightly more formal feel than “nice” — like something a colleague or professional contact would say.

“Good to talk to you too. Let’s stay in touch.”
“Likewise — it had been too long.”
“Always. We should do this more regularly.”
“Same here. I’ll follow up on what we discussed.”

What Communication Experts Say About Conversation Closings

The way you end a conversation is not just a matter of courtesy. It is, according to researchers in psychology and communication, one of the most important moments in any social interaction.

Why how you end a conversation matters more than how you start it

Research in social psychology consistently shows that people weigh conversation endings more heavily than they might expect. Part of this is simple: the ending is the last thing you experience, and memory is recency-biased. But there is more to it than that.

Endings also carry emotional finality. They are the moment where the conversation becomes a complete memory rather than an ongoing experience. How that moment feels — warm or cold, gracious or awkward, memorable or forgettable — colors the emotional texture of everything that came before it.

The peak-end rule and why your last words linger

Psychologist Daniel Kahneman, whose work on cognitive biases and decision-making won the Nobel Prize, developed what is known as the peak-end rule. It describes how people judge past experiences: not by averaging every moment, but by giving outsized weight to the most emotionally intense moment (the peak) and the very last moment (the end).

This has direct implications for conversation closings. Even an entirely ordinary conversation can leave a profoundly positive impression if it ends with something warm, specific, and genuine. Conversely, even a rich and engaging conversation can leave a flat or slightly unsatisfying feeling if it ends awkwardly, abruptly, or with a hollow “you too.”

The peak-end rule suggests that you do not need to transform every conversation into a masterpiece. You just need to make sure the last thing the other person experiences is something that feels good.

Research-backed tips on ending conversations well

Drawing on research across communication psychology, linguistics, and social behavior, here are the most consistently supported strategies for ending conversations in a way that leaves a positive, lasting impression:

Be specific. Reference something actual from the conversation rather than offering a generic closing. Specificity signals genuine engagement.
Match the emotional register. If the conversation was warm and personal, close warmly and personally. If it was light and funny, close with lightness. Jarring mismatches between the body of a conversation and its closing create cognitive dissonance.
Indicate a future. Even in very casual exchanges, a light gesture toward continuation (“we should do this again”) signals that the relationship exists beyond the current moment and has value.
Say the other person’s name. Research on interpersonal communication consistently shows that hearing one’s own name used naturally in conversation creates warmth and a sense of being seen.
Do not rush the ending. Abrupt sign-offs feel dismissive. A brief but unhurried closing — even if it only adds a few seconds — signals that you valued the time spent.
Mean what you say. The most powerful closers are authentic. Hollow enthusiasm is easily detected and creates subtle distrust. If the conversation was good, say so. If it was fine, be warmly neutral. Exaggeration backfires.

Quick-Reference Table: Reply by Situation and Tone

Use this table as a fast reference whenever you need to find the right reply for a specific situation. The replies listed are starting points — feel free to adapt them to fit your voice.

Tone, platform, and relationship breakdown

Situation	Tone Needed	Best Reply Example
After a job interview	Professional + warm	“Thank you — I really enjoyed our conversation and I look forward to the next steps.”
After a client call	Professional + forward-looking	“Likewise. I’ll follow up with the information we discussed. Thank you for your time.”
After a networking event	Warm + action-oriented	“Really valuable. Let me send you that resource — great to finally connect.”
Text message to a friend	Casual + warm	“Same!! That went way too fast. Let’s do this again soon.”
WhatsApp or DM	Friendly + relaxed	“Always. You’re one of the best people to talk to, honestly.”
LinkedIn DM	Professional + sincere	“Likewise — really great to connect. Looking forward to staying in touch.”
After a first date	Warm + slightly flirty	“Same — and I mean it. I didn’t want it to end.”
With family	Loving + casual	“Always. Love you. Talk soon.”
Group call or group chat	Enthusiastic + inclusive	“Same, everyone! Best group. Same time next month?”
Formal or official context	Neutral + gracious	“The pleasure was mine. Thank you for your time.”
After an emotional conversation	Sincere + grounded	“That conversation meant a lot to me. Thank you for being so open.”
Brief or passing exchange	Warm + concise	“Likewise. Take care.”

Final Thoughts: Never Be Caught Without the Right Reply Again

“It was nice talking to you” is one of the most common phrases in human social interaction. It appears dozens of times a week in most people’s lives — at the end of calls, conversations, meetings, messages, and moments. And most of the time, it is met with “you too” or “likewise” or a nod and a smile.

There is nothing wrong with that. Social conventions exist for good reasons. But knowing that you have a richer toolkit available — that you can reply with warmth, specificity, humor, sincerity, professional polish, or playful charm depending on the moment — changes something.

It changes how you show up in conversations. It changes how people remember you. And under the logic of the peak-end rule, it changes the entire impression of every conversation you have, because the ending is what people carry away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best reply to “it was nice talking to you”?

The best reply depends on context, but the most effective responses share three qualities: they are warm, they are specific, and they match the tone of the conversation. In professional settings, “the pleasure was mine, I look forward to continuing the conversation” works well. In casual settings, “same — we need to do this more often” feels natural. The worst reply is a hollow or rushed “you too” that signals you were not fully present.

Is “likewise” a good response to “it was nice talking to you”?

“Likewise” is perfectly acceptable and widely used. It is polite, concise, and grammatically clean. The limitation is that it is entirely neutral — it communicates nothing about how you actually felt about the conversation. If you want to leave a more memorable impression, follow “likewise” with a specific observation or a forward-looking statement: “Likewise — and I really appreciated what you said about [topic].”

How do I respond if I want to talk again soon?

Be direct and specific rather than vague. “We should catch up again sometime” is forgettable. “I want to hear more about [specific topic you mentioned] — let’s find 20 minutes next week” is memorable and actionable. Specificity signals genuine interest and makes it easy for the other person to say yes.

Can I use emojis when replying to “it was nice talking to you”?

Yes, in casual contexts. A warm emoji alongside a genuine reply adds personality and signals affection. Use them freely in texts, WhatsApp, Instagram, and casual DMs. Avoid them in professional emails, LinkedIn messages to people you do not know well, or any context where formal communication is expected. When in doubt, match the other person’s emoji usage.

How do I respond professionally after a job interview?

The ideal professional reply does three things: acknowledges the compliment genuinely, expresses sincere enthusiasm for the opportunity, and indicates a next step. Example: “Thank you so much — I really enjoyed our conversation and I came away genuinely excited about this role. I look forward to hearing from you.” Follow up with a brief thank-you email the same day.

What does “nice talking to you” mean when said by someone you like?

In a romantic or social context, “it was nice talking to you” from someone you like is almost always a positive signal. It means the conversation left them with a good feeling and they want you to know. It can also function as a soft invitation for continued connection. The best response mirrors the warmth and, if you feel it too, adds a small gesture toward continuation: “Likewise — I really didn’t want it to end.”

Is “you too” enough as a reply?

“You too” is sufficient in brief, passing exchanges — with service staff, casual acquaintances, or at the end of a short conversation that did not have particular depth. In any situation where you want to build a relationship, leave a strong impression, or acknowledge that the conversation genuinely meant something, “you too” is a missed opportunity. Upgrade it with at least one specific detail or a warm forward-looking gesture.