When you hear “thanks for your feedback,” is it sincere appreciation—or just a polite way to shut the conversation down?

Conversation often moves like traffic—full of signals, detours, and off-ramps. Phrases like ‘what are your plans later?’ or ‘thanks for your feedback’ act as signals to steer us toward closure.

When it’s sincere, “thanks for your feedback” is a powerful closer. It’s an opportunity to metabolize criticism.

But too often, it’s used to bury the moment and move on.

Sometimes, there’s no real gratitude—just a desire to end the discomfort without escalating it further.

In a recent exchange I witnessed, one person became defensive after being criticized—and quickly ended it with “thanks for your feedback.” It felt like an escape hatch, not a bridge to understanding.

It’s easy to confuse avoidance with resolution. Saying 'thanks' might sound like closure—but often, it’s just a socially acceptable exit.

Not every conversation needs to be a reckoning—but when we default to polite phrases as shields, we miss a chance for growth—and for alignment with our internal world.

It reminds me of Miguel Ruiz’s first of the Four Agreements: be impeccable with your word. When we say these words to one another, we can consider their sincerity—or choose to say something more aligned with what we actually mean.

Of course, we all need an escape hatch sometimes. Not every moment is a growth opportunity. But instead of defaulting to politeness as protection, we can pause and ask: Am I being sincere—or just trying to get out of here?