99% of us have been on a bad date. The big question is how do you get out of the date?
According to new research conducted by OnePoll, most people will tolerate 51 minutes of a bad date before making up an excuse to leave. The research from 2,000 adults also showed that we know about 25 minutes into the date whether or not there is a “spark”. These are the top excuses when you need to make your escape.
Top 20 excuses people have used to get out of a date
- You’re not feeling well
- A family member is ill
- An emergency at work
- You have a headache
- You forgot about something important you need to do instead
- Tell them you realise you aren’t ready for a relationship
- Your car broke down
- You have a deadline at work
- Friends or family just showed up for a surprise visit
- You’re stuck in traffic
- You forgot
- Your pet is ill
- You accidentally already ate
- You can’t find the date venue
- You’ve had an allergic reaction
- You’ve been arrested
- Your date looks too similar to a sibling or other relative
- You’ve just been mugged
- Your date looks too similar to your ex
- A pipe has burst at home
More from the survey, 23% admit to “ghosting” before a date and 3 our of 10 just stood them up. Meahwhile, 72% have sat through the bad date out of politeness or a hope it would get better.
So, what makes a “good” date? 68 per cent need to feel comfortable, 58 per cent require lots of laughter and 57 per cent simply look for a ‘spark’.
As we approach Valentine’s Day, good luck!
— Doug O’Brien
