Among my friends, I’ve normalized just leaving. I don’t go around and say good bye to everyone. I literally tell one person that I’m leaving, merely to inform them so they can tell others I’ve left if they ask.
So I’ll literally turn to whomever is closest that I know, who isn’t also leaving, and just say I’m leaving, then go.
The story I’ve spun into all of the people I know, which I believe to be the case frequently is that: by making a big show of leaving, you’re basically asking for people to give you a reason to stay or convince you to stay. I don’t want either to happen, and I don’t feel the need to have any pageantry about departing. So I’ll just leave. I want to do that thing, so I’m going to go do that thing. I’m not going to talk about doing that thing, or make a big show of it, I’m just going to do it.
Listen, it’s ok to leave. I know you feel like you owe people some explanation or justification for leaving, but in reality, you do not. Just go.
I will add: this is a very simple idea/concept. That doesn’t, and shouldn’t, imply it will be easy for you, or anyone, to execute. Each person will have their own mental hurdles to get over with this, and I do not want anyone to think that I’m ignoring, or belittling that. Your feelings and challenges are real, legitimate, and valid.
This concept is simple and execution may be easy, or not, for you individually. You may need to restructure the way you think to adopt this, or you may accept it easily. I’m not going to assume what the experiences of everyone else is going to be.
Good luck, everybody.
Gastrointestinal distress.
Hurriedly go to the bathroom. Stay there about 15 mins. Return and politely excuse yourself. Someone will have noticed that you spent the last 15 mins in the bathroom.
I always just sneak off into a corner and listen to music if I can.
slap knees -> say “whelp” -> …run
“So.” The german way
Me: “ I gotta go pick up my grandma at the airport.” Everyone else: “ dude your grandma died in 2008.” Me: *violently shits pants and run screaming out the door.
One of the few things I’ve gotten really good at when I’m at a party is leaving. I’ve worked it to the point where I can grab one or two folks who I care about and say goodbye, then slip off. And thank god. The worst experiences of my life were when someone else drove and I had to wait for them.
Yeah, my wife can drag out goodbyes, but when I’m on my own, or when I can just walk home, I just get up, say “All right, I’m leaving, see you guys later,” and then I just leave. Been doing it for 20 years at this point. I’m not an introvert either, I enjoy parties, but I know when enough is enough, and I just leave. I will see these people again, some of them soon, no need for long good-byes.
Irish exit.
I could never figure out if that term was racist toward Irish, or complimentary of them lol
Personally, I’m a fan of the Irish exit, and thank them for it.
That’s my go to maneuver.
It’s super effective!
I have to return some video tapes.
Do you like Huey Lewis and the news?
Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes.
When Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically.
The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost.
sorry I have appointment to wash my hair
is bald
is shampoo
“I need to return some video tapes.”
You could just tell them your social capital is spent and leave.
“sorry, I’ve run out of spoons and must return home”
Honesty takes courage.
My deeply held belief is that living demands courage.
Whilst being true to yourself, especially in a community that would despise you for it? Certainly! But if the circumstances allow for it, you can be mostly a coward, hiding behind authority and the masses, and maybe only stepping out of your comfort zone in particular occasions until the day you die, right? 🤔
Absolutely correct, but my counter argument would be to ask if that would be considered living or just breathing until you stop?
Lovely take, lol. I like to use the phrase “living by inertia” myself. 😅
I’ve been more honest about that as I’ve gotten older, to others and myself. Like, if I have obligations coming up, I’m gonna plan a recovery day without. I’m gonna show up, do my best, then let the host know I’m tired when I’ve run out of socialization and leave before I get too awkward and distant. It’s hard but worthwhile to just be honest how you’re feeling.
show up early, so you only have to be around 1-2 people for an hour or so. Volunteer to drive shotgun to help pickup the wings. Arrive with maybe an hour left, then eat the wings and celery sticks in silence in the back. Talk to a few people, mostly just listening. Then leave at 10:15 sharp because you have work early tomorrow.
“I have to go feed the cat” - used this when grandma was calling and didn’t want to talk
“I need to let the dogs out” is a good one, too.
Simply walk out.
Ok. One of us trips and breaks the sound system, the second coughs up a nasty furball in the pool and the last one uses the snack buffet as a litterbox.
Afterwards, we meet at the backdoor in 5 and fake out a mice chase.
