How To Escape A Bad Date While Keeping It Classy
Dating casually can be an exciting time for a single person while they figure out who they are attracted to and what personality traits they are looking for in a partner.
That being said, casual dating always runs the risk of the dreaded "bad date" encounter. Fortunately, we've got some ways to weasel your way out of a terrible date without breaking any heels (or hearts).
The Perfect Date-Exit Starts With A Bit Of Pre-Planning
Extracting yourself from an ongoing date isn't exactly easy, but there are some things that you can do to make it easier on both yourself and your date.
It starts with some pre-planning before you actually arrive. Pick a restaurant, coffee shop, or public setting of some kind for the date.
Set Yourself Up For A Successful Exit If Necessary
Never tell your date that you've got the whole night wide open, just in case things start going south and you've got to make a break for it.
You could say you have a late-night yoga session, an early work commitment, or just keep the reason to yourself but mention that you're on a timeline.
Give It A Little Bit Of Time, Even If You're Not Feeling It
It might be glaringly clear early on that you are not vibing with your date. That being said, you both decided to come out and make the commitment to meet one another.
The least you can do is stick it out for a little bit because it would be insanely rude to leave before the date starts. Give it a chance and ride the lame wave until you can leave.
Don't Be Overly Flirty
It's important not to send mixed signals if you're not into the date. This means not being overly flirty or touchy-feely. Keep it friendly at every opportunity.
Also, keep the topics of conversation generic with questions like "Do you have siblings?" or "Do you play any sports?" and avoid anything to do with the topics of sex and hooking up.
Excuse Yourself When Your First Drink Is Almost Empty
If you ordered drinks, drink your bevy at the same pace as your date. You don't want to end up finishing your drinks at separate times and getting stuck between rounds.
When you're nearly finished with your drink get up and excuse yourself to the bathroom. This will give you a moment to collect your things (and your thoughts) before heading back to the table.
Don't Sit Back Down At The Table
When you return to the table, don't sit back down. This is the part where you say "Thanks so much for meeting up tonight, I'm going to head out though."
In a perfect world, you are confident enough to leave it at that and head out without offering any sort of fake excuse.
Don't Draw Out The Goodbye
If you do feel like offering some kind of justification you can always say "I have to get home to let a pet out," or "I have some work to finish up before bed."
Don't make this part long and drawn out or you could end up stuck for longer than you want.
Stick To Your Decision To End The Date
Alright, the hard part is over, you said you were done with the date.
Now you just have to stick to your guns and stay committed to your decision to leave. Don't sit back down in the chair or hesitate to head for the door.
Carry Cash On The Date In Case You Have To Split Any Bills
Hopefully, your date has the decency to offer to pay for the round, but in the event that they don't, it's time for the magical $10 bill trick.
Slap down a tenner (which will cover exactly your single drink) and say thanks again but it's time to go. You can offer them a friendly hug if you feel like it but it is absolutely not necessary.
Leave On Your Own If You Can
This is your chance to head for the door on your own. If you happen to wait around saying goodbye or getting the bill your date will most likely want to walk you out to your car or the street.
That opens up the opportunity for the dreaded awkward attempt at a kiss goodbye.
Put Some Distance Between You And Your Date
It's best to get yourself away from the situation now that you've committed to leaving, so don't walk out the door and then hang out front.
Put some distance between yourself and the person you were on the date with. That way you can feel accomplished and at ease that the date is really over.
Be A Considerate Date
Dating can be a daunting game for the best of us, that's why it's important to be nice to each other.
That means not wasting someone's time, money, or playing with their emotions if you know that you're not a good match.
Don't Be Hard On Yourself
Let's be real, every connection isn't going to be fireworks every time. If anything, it's more like a bunch of sparklers burning out.
So don't be too hard on yourself if you find that you need to use this escape plan on your next date.
