How To Shirk Responsibility And Avoid Social Obligations

When you find yourself the recipient of an unwanted invitation, it's crucial to think fast. Unfortunately, at that very moment, it's all too easy to draw a blank. Be prepared; add a few of my all-purpose excuses to your social skills set. It's better to be safe than sorry you said "yes!"

1. "Can't. I'm still in Beta." --- excellent for nerds who won't take no for an answer.
2. "Sweat clogs my pores." --- do I want to jog with you at 5am? Let me think . . .
   
3. "Sounds great! Are you sure you don't mind the diarrhea?" --- if they don't, it's real friendship or real Fatal Attraction.
   
4. "The reviews were lousy." --- especially the ones I've heard about your cooking, company, etc.
   
5. "I'm expecting the mothership." --- use only if you're certain that she won't insist on waiting with you.
   
6. "It's laundry day. I'm naked." --- this may have the added advantage of being true.
   
7. "I think that would violate the terms of my parole." --- give yourself an air of mystery!
   
8. "My horoscope sounded kinda iffy." --- how can you argue with the stars?
   
9. "It's a full moon." --- act a little twitchy when you say it. Just for fun.
   
10. "I would, but then I'd have to blog about it!" --- fear the blog threat!

Happy Avoidance!

Written for the Writing Project at An Island Life. Aloha!