We’ve all been there – stuck on a date that’s going nowhere, for one reason or another. Whether your date is just plain dull or the experience has become downright awkward, you’re already mentally planning your escape route. Fear not, we have you covered! Here are three tried-and-true ways to gracefully slip away from a bad date.

1. The Emergency Phone Call

This classic tactic involves having someone (a close friend or family member) call you at a prearranged time during the date. Let them know beforehand that you might need an emergency phone call as an escape plan. When they call, excuse yourself to “take an important call,” and then act distraught when you return. Use this fake emergency as the perfect excuse to cut the date short without appearing rude.

2. The Early Morning Commitment

Before going on your date, make it clear that you have an early-morning commitment, like helping a friend move or attending a work event. This gives you a built-in time limit for the date without leaving room for questions. If the date isn’t going well, simply check your watch and remind your date that you need to wrap things up soon due to your early morning plans. Avoiding alcohol or caffeine on these dates can get you off the hook easily without any lingering expectations.

3. The Subtle Fade Out

If things aren’t terrible but still not ideal, ease into conversation about other aspects of life—such as hobbies or shared interests outside of dating—and slowly start emphasizing how busy both of your lives are away from dating sites and apps. This tactic allows both parties to decline invitations for future dates in favor of pursuing more entertaining prospects.

While escaping from a bad date is never fun, it is important to prioritize your own comfort and well-being while balancing kindness and respect towards your date. It doesn’t hurt to be honest if you don’t feel a connection, but these tactics can help soften the blow and give you peace of mind when it’s time to make your exit.