A few years ago I went on a date with a man that seemed like he had the potential to be someone I may want to get to know better.  At least that’s what I thought until we had our first and only date.  We agreed to meet at the Ritz Carlton’s lounge and bar.  I like to keep it simple on a first date because it’s the first opportunity to get to know someone so drinks and appetizers was perfect.

At first the conversation started off with small talk, like most dates when you don’t really know someone yet.  But then it took a turn for the worst when he started revealing some things that I found questionable about his character.  Admitting to some illegal acts he had been up to and proudly boasting that he had paid someone to get him a Wheelchair Parking Permit so he could always get a front parking spot. Even though he had absolutley no disability.  He didn’t care.  Needless to say, I could not wait for the date to end.

I’m not very good at being rude and abrupt and typically just ride it out for the night like a lot of people do and then just never accept a second date.  Thankfully I haven’t had such a disasterous date like that since.

What do you do when you want to end a bad date? Did you know that TV Personality Chelsea Handler recently developed an app to help you end bad dates and awkward situations? Yup, she did. It’s called ‘Gotta Go’. The concept is nothing new (there are other apps that do the same thing), but this one will likely be popular due to her being a celebrity. The app provides an excuse to help you get out of situations you would rather leave. [CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE] 

If you’re hard pressed to end a date here are a few other tips you can try without having to download an app. 

1. Choose a location that can limit your time.

It’s always good to plan ahead just in case.  You never know if the date is going to be good or bad. So best to choose a place that doesn’t encourage staying for long hours.

For example have your first date a coffee shop.  Although many people spend hours at places like Starbucks, most cafes prefer people not to loiter for too long so they can have tables for other customers that may want to sit later.  With a casual and relaxed environment it’s easy to get to know someone, but equally easy to leave when you’re ready to cut it short. 

2. Arrange for the ‘Emergency Call’

This is an old trick that plenty of people have used in the past. It’s when you get someone to call you during your date, just in case it’s a disaster and you can use that phone call as your excuse that you have to leave.

This old school trick is probably where the concept of apps like ‘Gotta Go’ were inspired by.

3. Be Honest

This is the toughest one for most people, but also the best thing for you to do.  Why is it so hard to just be honest? You don’t have to be rude about it, but politely let them know that you don’t think it’s working and that it would be a good idea to call it an early night.   When you’re honest, you don’t have to worry about the person calling you again and trying to ask for another date.  When you’re honest it puts everything on the table and there are no expectations or misread signals from the other person.

Do you have any tips on ending a bad date? I’d love to hear it in the comments.