Polite statements in conversations between men and women are analyzed as rational strategies designed to save face. Previous research has established that saving face is composed of two needs: the need to be unimpeded in conversation (negative politeness) and the need to be approved of (positive politeness). Face-threatening acts (interruptions, ignoring selection of other speakers, etc.) can be diminished by politeness strategies: hedges, minimal responses, indirect constructions, and tag-questions. Six informal conversations between men and women who were friends were recorded to provide 60 minutes of conversation. Selected portions of the tape were transcribed and divided into conversational transactions which were qualitatively interpreted. On all occasions the number of face-threatening acts made by women was not much smaller than those made by men. In conversations in which men were in the majority, women appeared to make more face-threatening acts than men. Women undertook more impeding acts such as suggestions, offers, promises, and reminders, while men made more threats as expressions of disapproval, criticism, non-cooperation, or disagreement. Women more often employed politeness strategies to minimize a face-threatening act and to show interest and approval than men. (KC)