We have this phenomenon where I live where people won't leave your house. Just as they're getting up to go they'll start telling another story. They'll put their shoes on and have another tale to tell. Then with one hand on the door they'll be reminded of something else.
Please get out of my house. I love you, but go.
Image Transcription:
Everett and Mrs True are entertaining two guests. One of the guests stands to leave: "Well, True, I guess we'd better be going home."
Everett rises out of his chair, knocking it over: "I'm glad to hear you say that! I'm tired and sleepy and I have to get up early in the morning! For heaven's sake, don't sit down. Good night, GOOD NIGHT!!!!"
I've heard it as "southern goodbyes" myself, but my wife is from the south.
Probably just more of a rural thing, where people tend to take more time for pleasantries. (Disclaimer: broad sweeping generalization, please don't take offense anyone)
But for real, there needs to be a cutoff point. Thankfully most of my family and friends can accept when it's been reached.
Southern goodbye for us, too. I have seen goodbyes last so long that guests decide sleep over instead of leaving because it went from "well, it's almost 10pm, we should probably get going to" to "my goodness, the sun is nearly up! Do you want to just get a little sleep before your drive?" While standing at the door!
We have the opposite in the Puget Sound area. You'll go get another drink or something and people will just leave without saying goodbye. Hardly anyone around here says goodbye, they just leave. It took some getting used to after we moved up here. As someone from an area more like yours, we felt like we were getting ditched. But apparently it's completely common behavior around here.