Bad Date Escape Tictics

Q: What should I do if I go on a date, and early on it's clear the evening is going to be a huge flop? Do I stick it out? Is it kinder to make up an excuse and end the evening early?

A: End it, but have the courage to be kind and honest. He may not think it's a bust, so let him down gently. But don't lie or fake an emergency text message. If you're sharp enough to sense a flop, you're smart enough to find ways to say you don't feel right about the evening.

Why prolong the agony? Be cordial, and ease on down the road as quickly as you can without causing a scene. But first determine whether your date is creepy or only clumsy. Creepy always calls for an exit, but clumsy may be a sign of limited dating experience or introversion

If he's a nice guy but the sparks aren't there, stay put. Who knows? You may end up becoming friends, or he may be the perfect guy for someone else you know.

I second that. The right conduct is not to cut and run. The Golden Rule applies: Stick it out, and do your best to make sure your companion has as good a time as possible. Maybe your first impression was wrong. If you leave early, you'll never know if you missed a life-changing surprise.

I once cut a blind date short with mumbled excuses. By chance, I ran into him again at a party when we were both more relaxed. As Jack says, a life-changing surprise. Six months later, we were married.