Easy Ways to Exit Awkward Situations
Learn how to gracefully and painlessly remove yourself from sticky social scenarios.
A Telemarketer
A polite "Thanks, I'm not interested" is your best response to unwanted calls. "The caller will probably come back with a benefit statement or a probing question"―e.g., "Are you aware this will cut your insurance bill in half?"―says Kimberly King, president of InterWeave Corporation, a customer-service consulting firm in Tampa. Again, thank the person and hang up. Don't let her rattle on, which is a waste of your time and hers. And never explain anything or volunteer information. Telemarketers work from a script with responses to common customer objections (called "soft no's" in the industry). Saying another family member needs to make the decision will only lead to more questions: What time will he be in? Can I call back then? Finally, ask to be taken off the calling list, and wait for the telemarketer to do it before you hang up. That extra minute is worth it.
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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.
