If you are in a social situation and want to leave?

Question

what is the most polite way of saying 'I want to go home'?

Scorpius59 - Funny! I've tried that...it doesn't work!!!

Answer 1

If it is a larger group you can simply disappear after a courtesy while you have been there. After all, it would be very cumbersome if the host had to say 50 individual good byes, so it's accepted practise to disappear. A brief thank you note on the next day should follow.

If you are in a situation when you need to back out from a conversation or something, you can say "would you excuse me?", get up and leave. You are not lying and you are not being rude. Again, a brief thank you note the next day is common courtesy.

You could also sy "Oh, would you excuse me, I have to say "hello" to somebody ?" and then go. This is not a lie, as you did not tell to whom you have to say "hello" - it can be someone outside the venue.

In opposite to often assumed protocol it is not good to actually say that you want / need to leave, as it could upset the host because they might think you don't like it here.

Try not to be the first one to leave and if you do, make sure the timing is good and most of the attention is going towards a speaker, a show, the music or whatever.

Answer 2

If its night time...say something like youve got a really early start the next day, or you need to drop by somewhere.

If its during the day, like lunches or bbqs....i guess you can kinda say the same things. Maybe you need to do some paper/house work at home? take care of bits n pieces? Or say that you need to drop by somewhere else as well.

But make sure you say goodbye to the host and not just bail out. Say things like "Id really like to stay longer but.... *excuse here*." Compliment and thank the host and then end with a 'see you next time' or 'ill call you again soon.'

Answer 3

I assume you mean that you want to let your host know you are leaving without hurting his or her feelings.

Easy - If you have kids, blame it on the kids. Pretend you got a cell phone call and the babysitter is having a crisis and you just have to go. If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend and they are not with you, blame it on them - say your boyfriend/girlfriend called and they need to be picked up - car trouble.

Or, just walk up to the host and say, "Hey - I had a great time and wish I could stay, but I have to get home." Done. They might be disappointed you left, but they can't be upset.

Answer 4

It depends on whose driving. If you are capable of transporting yourself home, then approach your host, or hostess, and say, "Goodnight, I had a marvelous time but I must leave now." Then go home.
If someone else is driving, approach them and say, "I would like to go home now." If the driver is a parent, you may have to abide by their wishes in this matter, and try to enjoy yourself until it is time for you to go home.

Answer 5

Go up to the host of the social event and let him or her know how much you've enjoyed their party and what a nice time you had. Then get your coat and head out the door, smiling & waiving!

Answer 6

Just get up and go, as you are leaving give a big smile a cheery wave say by by, I've just got to go. Then go.

Answer 7

I just excuse my self to the bathroom and then leave. I then text my wife who is still there saying, I was bored and at the bar across the street... let me know when they're done.

Answer 8

I usually say I hate to leave but I'm expecting an important long-distance call and HAVE to go.

Answer 9

I find that the best thing is a simple, but direct statement. "I'm having a wonderful time, but I really have to get going." Or if it's not such a great time you can look at your watch and announce, "I didn't realize what time it was. I really have to head out."

Answer 10

Thank them for a lovely evening but you must leave now as you have a busy day tomorrow