In today's world of Tinder dates and random hookups, it can sometimes feel like bad dates happen more often than the good ones do. There are few things more uncomfortable and awkward than being stuck on a horrible date with someone. Whether your date is rude, the food is terrible or you've nothing in common, one thing is for damn sure: there's nothing you want more than to not be here anymore. So, how do you leave without coming across as a total bitch? Sneaking out the bathroom window is super cowardly, as is waiting for them to go to the bathroom and then leaving. Pretending to take a call outside and leaving is almost as bad and both are extremely rude. Talking your way out of it is tragically obvious. So what should you do when waiting out until the end seems impossible? Here are 10 ways to get out of a bad date without being extremely rude;
1) Don't Go For Dinner If You're Unsure
If you're not sure about the person you're about to hang out with, go for something quicker, like a coffee instead of a full-blown dinner. This way you can test the waters and if things do go well you can continue the date for longer, or make plans for dinner. However, if the date is terrible and you can't wait to get out of there, just say you have a class and leave it at that.
2) Have Someone Call You
An oldie but a goodie, if you can pull it off that is. The trick is to stay calm up to that point and then freak out when you get the phone call. An emergency with your best friend is always a great option. Like they need your notes for an essay they have due the next day because they just deleted everything. Unless he's a computer whiz, then say that she was just cheated on or something. Dark but effective.
3) Have A Friend Crash
Advertisement
Not a car or anything like that, just have them arrive unexpectedly and not leave. Maybe even organize this when/ if they call you to get a progress report. Nothing can kill the vibe better than a third wheel who refuses to leave.
4) Say You're Not Feeling Well Or Are Super Tired
This is another fairly obvious excuse, but when you're complaining about stomach pains or period cramps, it's hard for your date to argue. Instead of faking a cough, head to the bathroom a few times, and then announce that you're not feeling great and you think it's best for you to go home. No one wants to deal with diarrhea or period drama on the first date so they should be happy to leave you off for the night.
5) Scare Them Off With Extreme Beliefs
This is a hit and miss move, if they agree with you, you're in too deep, but if they don't, you're good to go. Bring your beliefs into a debate situation and when things get heated, storm off.
Advertisement
6) Realise You've A Deadline The Next Day
Have a friend text, or say you got a email when you were in the bathroom and you found out that the essay you thought you had a week to do is actually due tomorrow and you have to go home and pull an all-nighter. Just grab your stuff apologise and leave. Your education is more important right now.
7) Have Plans With Someone Else
And make the someone else a parent or sibling. No one wants to meet the whole family on a first date. Way too soon. If there's a family emergency or dinner that you've to get to, no way will they ask to tag along. Whereas, if it's a friend's gig or hangout, then they might. Stick with family, they'll back off fast.
8) Friend Zone Them
If there's nothing happening here, no spark, absolutely no interest, don't drag it out and pretend to be really into them. Drop hints that you're glad that you got together, that you can tell you'll be great friends. Or that you wish more people were like them, you'd have better friends for it. Keep it friendly and light and if they try to get a bit more suggestive, maybe ask them for relationship advice with this other guy that you like. That'll confuse them and make them want to leave. Mean but effective.
9) Be Brutally Honest
If all else fails and nothing seems to be able to get them to lose interest, just tell them point blank that you're not into them. It's harsh but what's worse? Stringing them along and crushing them, or telling them now before you both get in too deep? At least this way you can leave early and move on to some other date. Good luck!
