We’ve all been there. The party thrown by your boss/co-workers/neighbors or maybe even just a friend who hangs with an unexciting crowd. Their parties are ‘mandatory’ to maintain good social grace, but you don’t have to make it your entire night.
Here at The Art of Charm we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick how-to for when you’re dreading what lies ahead and you want to get out as early as possible without offending your gracious host, who, of course, only means well in the end.
Step 1: Lay the Groundwork
If you suspect, or even know what’s coming ahead of time you’ve got a little advantage. Simply mention to the host that you’ve got something else going on that evening, but you’d love to drop by briefly before you have to take off.
Step 2: Time Distortion
Boring parties seem to drag on forever. Fortunately, you can speed up the amount of time you’re forced to spend there by immediately ditching your coat the moment you arrive and going straight for the host. Protip: fix yourself a drink before engaging him or her in conversation. This will give the impression that you’ve been at the party for a while making the rounds even though you just strolled in the door, drastically cutting down the amount of time you have to stick around.
Step 3: Run the Room
After you’re done chatting up the host, start making the rounds and engage others at the party. The mission here is to ensure that the host sees you at different locations at the party talking to different people. This communicates you’re enjoying yourself and gives the impression that you were at the party longer.
Step 4: Wording is Key
Before you bounce, make sure the host hears, or overhears something that gives the impression you’ve been at the party for a while. Phrases such as “this is definitely my last drink!” and “wow, am I stuffed!” can work wonders.
Step 5: Make a Break For It
Stealthily grab your coat/umbrella/whatever and stand near the door. Once the host is engaged in a conversation with someone else, get her attention, thank her for the hospitality, and bounce.
Step 6: Thank the Host
After the party, send a thank you note or card. This is good manners (a key ingredient of The Art of Charm), and will smooth over any hard feelings about your leaving early.
