When you’re stuck in an awkward and uncomfortable conversation, you’ll do or say anything to get out of it as quickly and painlessly as possible.
You can’t actually say what you’re thinking, which is probably something along the lines of, “You’re making my skin crawl — gotta go!” However, you can give a creative excuse and then high tail it out of there at the speed of light. Here are some things you can say to escape a chat that’s giving you the ick.
1. Your smart home device is urgently calling for your attention.
Everyone’s homes are filled to the brim with technology, so why not use it to your advantage? Claim that your smart home app just sent an alert about a potential water leak or an unlocked door. This modern twist on the classic “emergency at home” excuse adds a touch of believability. Plus, it’s vague enough that you won’t need to provide too many details, allowing for a quick and smooth departure from the conversation.
2. You’ve suddenly remembered you left the oven on at home.
Source: Unsplash This timeless excuse never fails to elicit sympathy and understanding. Who hasn’t experienced that heart-stopping moment of realising they’ve forgotten something crucial? Feign a look of sheer panic and exclaim that you’ve just remembered leaving the oven on. It’s an emergency that requires immediate attention, and no one will fault you for dashing off to prevent a potential kitchen disaster.
3. Your pet has an important vet appointment you can’t miss.
Pets are family, and their health takes priority. Mention that you’ve just realised you’re running late for your furry friend’s vet appointment. This excuse works particularly well if you’ve previously mentioned having a pet. It’s relatable, as most people understand the importance of pet care, and it’s difficult for anyone to argue against the welfare of your beloved animal companion.
4. You’re expecting an important international call that can’t be rescheduled.
In our globalised world, this excuse is both plausible and difficult to verify. Explain that you’re waiting for a crucial call from a colleague or client in a different time zone. Emphasise the limited window of opportunity due to the time difference, making it clear that you simply can’t miss this call. This excuse also has the added benefit of making you appear professionally in-demand.
5. Your fitness tracker is alerting you to move.
Source: Unsplash Health-conscious individuals will appreciate this modern excuse. Glance at your wrist as if your fitness tracker just buzzed, then explain that you need to get your steps in for the hour. This excuse works well in office settings or sedentary social situations. It’s a gentle way to extricate yourself while also promoting a healthy lifestyle—who could argue with that?
6. You’re volunteering at a community event and need to prepare.
Source: Unsplash Position yourself as a pillar of the community by mentioning your volunteer commitments. Explain that you’re helping out at a local charity event or community garden and need to leave to prepare. This excuse provides a graceful exit and paints you in a positive light. It’s an effective way to end the conversation on a high note while showcasing your civic-mindedness.
7. Your neighbour has texted about a package mix-up that needs sorting.
Source: Unsplash In the era of online shopping, package deliveries and mix-ups are commonplace. Pretend to receive a text from your neighbour about a wrongly delivered parcel that needs immediate attention. This excuse is relatable and urgent enough to warrant a quick departure. Plus, it’s specific enough to seem genuine without requiring elaborate details or follow-up questions.
8. You’re testing a new meditation app that requires strict scheduling.
Source: Unsplash For a modern twist on the “I need to go meditate” excuse, mention that you’re trial-testing a new meditation app. Explain that it requires strict adherence to scheduled sessions for optimal results. This excuse provides a quick exit and portrays you as someone invested in personal growth and mental well-being. It’s an excuse that’s hard to argue with, as it prioritises self-care.
9. Your smart fridge has alerted you about expiring groceries.
Source: Unsplash In the age of smart appliances, why not use them as an excuse? Pretend your high-tech fridge has sent an alert about perishables nearing their expiry date. Express concern about food waste and the need to use these ingredients immediately. This excuse combines environmental consciousness with the urgency of dealing with spoiling food, making it both believable and difficult to challenge.
10. You’ve got a virtual reality fitness class starting soon.
Source: Unsplash Virtual reality is no longer just for gaming. Claim you’re enrolled in a VR fitness class that’s about to start. Explain how these classes are live and can’t be rescheduled easily. This excuse not only provides a valid reason to leave, but also makes you appear tech-savvy and health-conscious. It’s a modern twist that’s intriguing enough to deflect further questions.
11. Your language learning app is prompting you for your daily practice.
Source: Unsplash Lifelong learning is admirable, so why not use it as an excuse? Mention that your language learning app is sending reminders for your daily practice session. Explain how maintaining your streak is crucial for effective learning. This excuse portrays you as dedicated to self-improvement while providing a time-sensitive reason to exit the conversation. It’s an excuse that’s hard to fault and might even inspire other people!
12. You need to tend to your sourdough starter.
Source: Unsplash For a trendy and quirky excuse, bring up the demanding nature of maintaining a sourdough starter. Explain that you’re in the midst of perfecting your bread-making skills and need to feed your starter at specific times. This excuse works particularly well if you’ve previously mentioned your baking hobby. It’s specific enough to seem genuine and eccentric enough to discourage further questions.
13. Your smartwatch has detected unusual heart rate patterns.
Source: Unsplash Health-related excuses are often the most effective. Pretend your smartwatch has alerted you to an irregular heart rate pattern that requires monitoring. Express mild concern and the need to sit quietly and track your vitals for a short period. This excuse not only provides a valid reason to leave, but also elicits sympathy and concern, making it unlikely for anyone to question or challenge your departure.
14. You’re beta-testing a new productivity app with strict time-blocking.
Source: Unsplash For a work-related excuse, mention that you’re participating in beta-testing for a cutting-edge productivity app. Explain that it involves strict time-blocking and that you need to adhere to the schedule for accurate results. This excuse portrays you as someone who values efficiency and is trusted by tech companies. It’s a professional-sounding reason that’s both interesting and hard to dispute.
15. Your smart garden system needs urgent attention.
Source: Unsplash For an eco-friendly excuse, bring up your high-tech home garden system. Claim that you’ve received an alert about abnormal soil moisture levels or pest detection that requires immediate intervention. This excuse combines technology with environmental consciousness, making it both modern and responsible. It’s specific enough to seem genuine, but unusual enough to discourage too many follow-up questions.
