How to escape a bad party conversation

Beat a retreat from a boring party guest – without offending them – with one of these escape plans.

You Will Need

* Credible excuses
* Flattery
* A sacrificial lamb
* Honesty
* An enemy
* A friend

Step 1: Feign a need
Assuming you don’t already have a full cocktail or plate of food in your hand, excuse yourself to get a drink or visit the buffet. Or, you can always say you need to use the bathroom.

Step 2: Flatter them
Tell them you’ve really enjoyed chatting with them, but you don’t want to monopolize them.

Step 3: Throw someone under the bus
Grab the next person who happens by, drag them into the conversation, and make your getaway.

*Tip: Make this enjoyable for yourself by choosing someone you dislike intensely.

Step 4: Spot someone you must speak with
Use the old, “Oh, there’s so-and-so, and I haven’t seen them in ages!”

Step 5: Set up a code
If you’re at the party with a friend or your partner, use a pre-established “rescue me” signal.

Step 6: Be honest
Just be honest. Kind of. Tell the person it’s been great talking to them – now here comes the honest part – but you really want to mingle. No one can fault you for that.

Fact:
Thirty-four percent of Americans are uncomfortable when introducing themselves to strangers at a party, according to one survey.