Have you ever been on one of those really bad dates where you would just about do anything to get out of there… but you don’t want to seem rude? Here is an idea for escaping bad dates.
Be Honest
If you feel safe or comfortable, perhaps explain that it is not working out for you. Be polite and wish them well and be on your way. You don’t have to go into detail, but you can say something like, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think this is working out for me.” Being honest can be uncomfortable, but it’s better than continuing to endure a bad date.
Excuse Me?
Supposedly, the creator of the now defunct, mobilealibi.com, came up with the idea during his own bad date. The idea being that you get a phone call from someone and then you can make some excuse. You could order this service from the internet or from your phone. There were some configuration options, like phone numbers and the voice that will be your partner in dating evasion.
I’m not sure where this falls in the karma ratings, but it might make some people feel better about getting away from that bad date. Some people will do something similar, by getting a friend to perform this excuse service for them.
Phone A Friend
Some people like to have a real friend close by that they can call or message to bail them out of a bad date. This friend can either call you with a fake emergency, or you can call them and tell them you need to leave ASAP. Having a pre-planned code word or phrase can be helpful so your friend knows when to act.
I Don’t Feel So Good
Another option is to tell your date that you are not feeling very well. A popular excuse is stomach problems.
Use the restroom
If you need a quick break from the date, excuse yourself to use the restroom. Once you’re in there, assess how you’re feeling and decide if you want to continue with the date or not. If you decide to leave, you can either sneak out the door or let your date know you’re not feeling well and need to go home.
Stay safe
If you feel unsafe, it’s important to prioritize your safety. Make sure you have a plan to get home safely, whether that means calling a ride-sharing service or asking a friend to come pick you up. If you’re in a public place, you can also alert a bartender or server to your situation and ask for their help.
Plan A Short First Date
Remember though, first dates should always be pretty short. This means if things are not going great, there is already an expectation that the date will not be too long. Go in with a planned exit strategy.
I’ve Got To Get Up Early
Come up with some excuse, like work, or something you have planned that forces you to leave early.
Follow Up
The problem with these ideas is that the person may try follow up later on. But if the date is going really badly, perhaps you do not care and just need to get out of there!
You might prefer to let them down later over the phone, or send a message. Just remember, you might bump into them again, so you might want to let them down gently.
Look On The Bright Side
All might not be lost during a bad date. Perhaps you get a fun story to share with your friends.
Also make sure you give the person a good chance before bailing on them. Perhaps they are nervous and haven’t made their best impression on you. Perhaps with a bit more of a chance they might grow on you.
No one wants to be on a bad date, but it happens to the best of us. The most important thing is to prioritize your own well-being and take steps to get out of an uncomfortable situation. By having a plan in place, being honest, and prioritizing your safety, you can gracefully exit a bad date and move on to better things.