How to escape a bad date?

Meeting someone new after a series of chats on a dating website can be exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. You don't want to find yourself on a date with someone who is nothing like you expected or, worse, someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Here are some tips to help you make a graceful exit:

• Set a time limit for your date by telling your dating buddy you have a planned engagement afterward. This way, you have an excuse to leave if the date is not going well (otherwise, you can always 'postpone' or 'cancel' your plans).
• Ask a friend of yours to call you at a specific time to check how the date is going. That's an old movie trick, but it works like a charm! If things are going really badly, your buddy can 'accidentally' call and tell you that there's an emergency and you have to leave immediately.
• Be honest and direct. Tell your date that you're not interested in seeing again and make your exit. It might be awkward, but it's better than spending an entire evening with someone you can't stand.
• Use The Bad Date Rescue app. This new app allows you to set a timer for your date. If things are going south, you can activate the timer to notify your friends that you need help, and they can then come and rescue you from the date!
• Spill a drink on yourself. This one sounds a bit drastic, but it can be a lifesaver if you're stuck on a date from hell. Just make sure you don't ruin your clothes!
• Make a runner. If all else fails, and you're stuck on a date from hell, just excuse yourself to the restroom and never come back! It might be a little rude, but it's better than staying until the night's end.

And now some vital info: if you feel unsafe, do whatever you need to do to get out of there. Your safety is more important than being polite. Ask the staff to help you if you can, call a friend, or just leave. Don't stay in a situation that makes you feel unsafe.

Never feel guilty about leaving a date early. You are under no obligation to stay if you are not having a good time!

Bad dates happen to the best of us, but hopefully, these tips will help you make a quick exit if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get out of there!