Anyways...

Tips for avoiding uncomfortable conversations:
Like say someone asks you about your sister, who is a bit off....you don't really feel like getting into a discussion about why your sister is nuts, and wish to just avoid the topic entirely. This is where the magic word "anyways" comes in.
Example: "How is your sister doing?"
(pause)
Me: "Anyways, the other day my cat puked on the carpet"

You thereby avoid the subject and totally ignore the question all at once. How convenient is that. The person who asked the question is both confused and maybe a little angry and you can be sure they won't ask again.