Stay just as friendly but stop talking about others, definitely listen to their non gossip as time permits, share a short nugget about your weekend or plans once in a while, and then stop yourself mid sentence with an exclamation that you forgot a time sensitive task, ttyl

Also a pad of paper and pen near bed so you don’t have to worry about forgetting whatever it is you just thought of…

Ever notice in old movies and tv that women used to take their earring off before speaking on the phone? Worth a shot