Wellyways

(well-ee-wayz) noun

The awkward feeling people have during conversation when each party has run out of things to say but do not know what to say to begin the parting of ways. The result is usually one of the conversation participants saying, "Well...anyways," and another party saying, "Yeahhhh." This verbal exchange often succeeds in allowing the conversation participants to begin the good-bye process in a polite and convenient manner.

Unfortunately, the feeling of awkwardness has been known to make a greater impression than the conversation that took place beforehand, even when that conversation was interesting. The result is that each of the conversation participants will try their best to stay away from the other for a prolonged period of time. And if the wellyways were experienced at a party or similar social gathering, the former conversation participants will only acknowledge each other with tight, forced smiles until one of them leaves and eloquently (but quickly) says their farewells.