The rubbernecking I’m referring to here has nothing to do with cars.  It’s when you’re in conversation at a bar/party, and the person you’re talking to is continually glancing around the room.   It’s a rude gesture, and basically means that this other person isn’t giving you the time of day, and is more interested in “who else is here?” and “what else is going on here?”

Most chronic rubberneckers will behave like this throughout a conversation you might have with them, sometimes without them even being aware of it.  It’s a bit sad.

Anyway, rubbernecking throughout any conversation is impolite, but there is a time and a place for rubbernecking —- at the end of conversations…or should I say to end a conversation.   If you can’t stand this person you’ve found yourself talking to for the last 5 or 10 minutes, you can try rubbernecking and minimizing eye contact with them.

It’s a practical way to escape.