Easy Ways to Exit Awkward Situations
Learn how to gracefully and painlessly remove yourself from sticky social scenarios.
A Dull Conversation at a Party
"Politeness requires seven or eight minutes" of conversation, says Letitia Baldrige, a former social secretary to Jacqueline
Kennedy and the author of Taste: Acquiring What Money Can't Buy (Truman Talley Books, $25, amazon.com). After that, you can say good-bye to the bore.
At a cocktail party (assuming you haven't made the mistake of sitting down with the person), it's fine to excuse yourself
to get a drink or food, help the hostess, or make a phone call. (If you did sit down, employ the same tactics. It's just a
little more awkward having to get up.) To avoid an embarrassing getaway "gotcha," be sure to follow through on your excuse―that
is, get the drink, help the hostess, make a call.
Another tried-and-true tactic? Introduce the bore to someone else, excuse yourself, and scram. This way, you avoid leaving
the bore stranded, and he becomes someone else's problem. Who knows? They may hit it off.
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The Dos and Don’ts of Toasting
Depending on where you are in the planning process, it might seem early to think about who will be toasting you at the reception. But it’s best to give toast-makers ample time to write a speech. If you have a feeling there will be a few guests wanting to get on the mic, ask the best man or the maid of honor to find out who wants to speak. And if you prefer that some of those people not give toasts, have your point person explain that you and the groom are limiting the toasts to make time for dancing. Get more tips on toasting special occasions.
