Easy Ways to Exit Awkward Situations

An Inebriated Coworker

An after-work drink with the new assistant sounded like fun, but three drinks later she is anything but. Can you ditch her? "No," says career columnist Anne Fisher. "Leaving a drunk to fend for herself could be dangerous, especially if he or she is planning to drive. You must either pour this person into a taxicab or drive him or her home." Use any excuse you'd like to call it a night. ("I have so much to get ready for tomorrow"; "I've got to feed the dog"; "My mother phones me at 11 p.m. and I have to be home for her call.")
 
To mitigate any morning-after awkwardness with someone you'll continue to see at work, shrug off her own comments about being embarrassed (don't rub it in) and extend an occasional lunch invitation, says Fisher. Make sure you go "someplace that doesn't serve anything stronger than iced tea." And remember: Lots of people are "instant idiots" (just add alcohol) when out but fine company when sober.