I was with a group of friends. It was late, I wanted to go home, but I feel awkward being the first one to leave. Has anyone else has this feeling? I literally waited for an extra hour till someone had to go home so I could leave.

1 comment

  1. Just like closing a conversation, leaving is challenging at times. People don’t want to be the first one to arrive, the first to leave or the person who takes the last slice of pizza.

    One way to avoid overstaying is to have an exit plan. Tell yourself that you will stay until a set time and stick to it. You don’t have to elaborate other than saying, “Well, it’s been great, but I promised myself i’d be home by now.” You could also plan ahead with a friend by offering to drive or agreeing to leave at a set time.

    Make sure you say proper goodbyes and leave with a smile. Some people tell their hosts that they regret they have to leave by a certain time as they arrive, saying something like, “I’m really glad you planned this/set this up. Unfortunately, I have to leave due to an obligation by (set time). Some people practice their closing remarks so they feel more natural.

    So, yes, I think choosing a time to leave is a common problem.

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