The Romance category needs help. There are a lot of “Worst Dates” out there and although it’s healthy to have a good laugh at stuff after the fact (so keep sharing), time is all we have. How we spend it is important and a bad date can feel like a lifetime when you’re stuck in one. So without further adieu, here are 5 rules for getting out of a bad date:

1. Get a friend to call you. This is the trusty, never-fail “emergency, sorry, I have to go” phone call. This instant date killer has been around since the cell phone was invented and has put the brakes on millions of bad dates. Maybe billions.
2. Go with a group. This is the best way to pre-screen your date. Invite him to a party, club, or other gathering with some of your friends. There are multiple benefits here; you’re with your friends, you get to observe his social skills, and you can get some trusted opinions as it’s happening. One warning - don’t invite that girl you know who has a special talent for guy-stealing.
3. Be honest. If it doesn’t click, it doesn’t click. Say so, and this will also pre-empt most follow up phone calls from the poor guy. If he still calls later, maybe he has a good explanation for why he was such a lousy date, or this might be a sign he’s a clinger/stalker.
4. Get sick. Long before the cell phone, there was the headache. Get one. Quick. Flutter your eyes and stare blankly into space. Close your eyes and be silent for a minute. Don’t hear him when he’s talking. These are all good signs that this is the mother of all headaches. End the date by telling him you have to go home and  deal with this. Assure him there is nothing he can do if he asks.
5. Fight fire with fire. This is going to get ugly. The date is going badly and you’re in hell. You’re sure of it. Alright, so act like it. Be the date from hell. Burp, fart, curse, make fun of his clothes, and his looks, and anything he says. Hit on the waiter. Talk endlessly about your Ex. Spill stuff over and make a mess. Spin around in a circle screaming like a freaking maniac and … poof … disappear.

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