Valentine’s Day is supposed to be all about romance, chemistry, and maybe even a little magic. But what if you show up for your big date, and within minutes, you just know it’s not going to work? Maybe he chews too loudly, talks only about himself, or says something so cringe-worthy you want to disappear. The dreaded ick has arrived, and suddenly, all those cute daydreams about your date go right out the window. So, what do you do when you’re stuck on a bad date on the most romantic day of the year? Here’s how to gracefully (or sneakily) escape!
1) The Emergency Friend Call
This is a classic for a reason! Text your bestie to give you a sudden emergency call. Maybe your roommate just locked herself out, or your cousin needs urgent help planning a wedding. The key is to make it believable. Apologize, say you have to rush, and get out of there ASAP!
2) Blame an Early Morning Commitment
If your date is dragging on and you need an excuse, let them know you have an early start tomorrow. Maybe it’s a morning yoga class, a work presentation, or a commitment you completely forgot about. This way, you can leave without it seeming too obvious.
3) The Classic I’m Not Feeling Well Exit
This one works especially well if your date is making you feel mentally exhausted. Tell them you suddenly feel unwell and need to head home. No one will question you if you say, I think I ate something bad earlier or I feel a migraine coming on. Bonus points if you act a little woozy while leaving!
4) Be Honest (But Kind)
If the ick is really strong and you don’t see the point in faking it, honesty is your best bet. You don’t have to be mean, just say something like, “Hey, I don’t think we’re vibing the way I expected. I think it’s best we end the date here.” It’s direct, mature, and saves both of you from wasting time.
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5) The One Drink Only Rule
If you’re worried about getting trapped on a long, unbearable date, set a boundary before you even arrive. Say you have plans right after, so you can only stay for one drink or an hour. If the date is fun, you can always “cancel” your next plans. If not, you have a built-in escape route!
Not every date is going to be a fairytale, and that’s totally okay! If you find yourself stuck with an ick-worthy date on Valentine’s Day, just remember, you don’t have to suffer through it. Use these escape tricks, trust your instincts, and remember that a cozy night in with Netflix and your favorite snacks is always a better option than forcing yourself through a bad date. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
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