We've all had bad dates that turned into really good stories to tell our friends the next morning. However, while the date is going on, all we want is to get out of there and make a run for it, preferably straight for a margarita and our best friend. Usually we don't want to hurt the guy's feelings, so we try to be as nice as possible while trying to find a reason to leave; other times the guy is a special brand of jerk who deserves special treatment. Should you find yourself stuck on a hellish date and just want to leave, there are several methods to help you get out of there.
Tell him you have to be somewhere
Should you get a sense in the beginning of the date that he's just not for you and you want to leave, tell him that you have to be somewhere in an hour or two. Apologize for cutting the date short, but that something that came up last minute. It seems less like an excuse and more like a legitimate reason to leave.
Play to his deal breakers
Everyone has deal breakers, so if you really want to get out of a bad date, start pretending you're all about everything he hates. For example, if he's not into someone who drinks often, tell him you drink several times per week. Bonus points if you tell him you frequently dance on bars Start arguing about religion, politics or anything else that could push his buttons. Before long, he'll be the one making excuses to get out of there.
Get the bill
Before you even put your fork down, call the waiter over and ask for the bill. It's a big sign you want the night to end. Should he ask if you're in a rush or if you want to go somewhere else, let him know that you have to get home to take care of things before getting up early the next morning.
Fake a work emergency
Receiving an emergency phone call from a friend is cliché and he's going to see right through it, but in a workaholic world, it's going to be difficult for him to doubt a work emergency and your phone doesn't even have to ring to put the plan in motion. When it comes to a work problem, you can get notified via text, email, call or even Facebook message. Apologize then make your escape.
Just leave
I once went on a date that was going so badly I left in the middle of it. We were walking on a busy NYC street when I said to him "I can't be here anymore" and I turned down a block and went right onto a train. If the date is going that badly, don't hesitate to just make a run for it. Make sure that you only pull this in extreme circumstances.
Be honest
If the guy is nice and obviously into you but you're not feeling the same, you're better off being honest about it. Even if it's in the middle of dinner, let him know you don't think it's going to work out. Both of you can then make the decision to continue with the evening as friends or just end things right there and move on.
If he's nice and you're sticking it out for that reason, he could take it as a sign you're interested. It's not easy telling a guy that you're not into him, but it's a much better option than leading him on or suffering through a horrible date. Choose the best way for you to get out of the date, then make a run for it and onto someone who is better suited for you.
More from Lauren R:
Rules for playing matchmaker with your friends
Messages to stop sending on dating sites
Tips for handling bad timing while dating
