T can only continue to talk where you lead. If you did not continue to talk about what it was you were interested in (the birthday party?) and would not let him move on; where is he supposed to go? He is not in your head, does not know all about the birthday party and what you feel and what you'd like to know from him, etc. unless you let him know. Did you think it "took balls" to leave? Since he did, I would have followed up on that comment, "Why do you say that? I was so angry/anxious/out of it/whatever that I did not have any trouble leaving"; if you start a conversation it is "yours" and you have to also steer it and get it to grow. It's like starting a fire; you do the kindling, the bigger sticks, blow on it to get it oxygen, etc. until it can maintain itself with only an odd log or two thrown on every half hour or so? Just stating you want to talk about something else; the other person can't help you with that because it's "yours" not theirs. You did not let T talk much in his own direction but does not sound like you went far enough in yours either. What was T supposed to say instead of being silent? You wouldn't let him say anything from his side?