Source: Prostock-Studio / Getty
Your time is precious. Never does that become more obvious than when you’re sitting on a date you do not want to be on, on your one – rare – free night that month, wishing you were at home snuggled up with your pet (or vibrator) and wondering when it’s polite to leave. The truth is that if you know this isn’t going anywhere, every minute spent on that date is also a waste of your date’s time. Of course, if they’re feeling you, they don’t know that. But you do, which is why you have to know how to cut a date short.
While it can seem abrupt, you’re doing everyone a favor if you cut the date short because you know there’s no future there. Now the question is, when is it appropriate to end a date early? And how on earth do you do it without dealing with drama? We divulge on both of these topics below. Here are reasons to cut a date short, and how to do it with class (sort of).
Reasons To Cut A Date Short
Reason #1: Major Catfishing Has Occurred
https://giphy.com/gifs/cityofselkirk-homer-simpson-selkirk-mb-pVkxOcWVriNazm2DJo
You simply have no obligation to remain on a date with someone who was dishonest about themselves in their profile. If this has happened, they know it. They’re just hoping you’re too polite to say something. Don’t let them take advantage of your kindness. If a completely different person from who appeard on the profile showed up for the date, you have the right to bail.
Reason #2: They’re A Mansplainer Extraordinaire
https://giphy.com/gifs/party-over-here-nicole-byer-party-over-here-mansplaining-26vUG5ngGfIjLlnpK
Mansplaining is a gender-neutral term at this point. Men created the behavior, but if you date women, some women do it, too. They talk over you, down to you and in circles around you. But clearly, they feel they are God’s gift to this earth, that their words are gold and that you’re lucky they’re imparting their wisdom onto you. If someone is treating you like this, you can excuse yourself. Your date might not even notice you left because they’re so entertained by their own voice.
Reason #3: They’re Rude To Wait Staff
https://giphy.com/gifs/betplus-bet-plus-college-hill-celebrity-edition-yC4JLoASucxQfggTgu
There is no excuse for your date to be rude, dismissive and condescending to the wait staff. If your date snaps their fingers at the wait staff, speaks to them like they’re beneath them or refuses to make eye contact, pack up your clutch and head for the door. They have an ego that needs to be checked. But you don’t need to waste your time doing the checking.
Reason #5: They’re On Their Phone
https://giphy.com/gifs/stayflylife-phone-scrolling-on-the-L7Om6jIyz8UDRQb3uf
A few phone checks over a 90-minute date are bound to happen. But if your date is glued to their phone, carrying on a conversation with you while scrolling away on IG, it’s probably time to cut it short. You can try to ask them to get off their phone but, are you really trying to be someone’s mother tonight?
How To Cut A Bad Date Short
Honesty Can Be The Best Policy
https://giphy.com/gifs/reaction-diva-shade-1wnohynNUXuVQLIopj
Assess the situation (aka the person) and decide if they can handle the truth. If you can tell they are emotionally mature and stable, but you just don’t feel a connection, you might be able to simply tell them that. Some people appreciate you being upfront, so as to not waste any more of their time.
However, sometimes, like when you’re dealing with a narcissist or someone with a volatile personality, it’s clear they won’t take the truth well. In those cases, you need to protect yourself from some drama, and try the next ideas.
Fake A Pet Emergency
https://giphy.com/gifs/chuber-my-bad-l4KhZvltwNngBPFmg
Say that you see on your pet cam that your dog or cat is throwing up, or that they’ve gotten into something that will make them sick and you have to rush home. Say you realize you need to give them their medication. Say your dog walker bailed, and now you have to rush home to let your pet outside. Nobody can argue when a furry friend has needs.
Blame An Early Morning
https://giphy.com/gifs/primevideo-NqOgGJpwT0FjTTJSJX
Look at your phone, appear shocked/disappointed and then announce that you just got an email saying your work added a last-minute, super early-morning meeting. You’re totally underprepared for it, and need to rush home now to get ready for it.
Start Yawning (A Lot)
https://giphy.com/gifs/tired-coffee-project-runway-zgtHXUYuimOas
Just start increasing your yawns per minute. Start to look as if you’re struggling to keep your eyes open. Maybe even pretend to nod off for a second. Make it so clear that you’re exhausted that your date can’t help but suggest, “Hey, do you need to go home and go to bed?”
