Have To's | Move 'Em Along | Zip It | Hide Away

Never Can Say Goodbye
We've all been there. Late night. A friend who just won't leave. Despite numerous hints as to your state of consciousness, the lateness of the hour, the early hour of your first appointment, or that cold coming on, they just won't take the hint and go.

And we're not talking about the occasional late night with a distraught comrade. No. This is that habitual over staying of The Welcome. If you're from New York, the solution is simple. Tell them you're bored as hell and if they're not out before you've cleaned the cat pan, they'll be wearing it. However, if you live west of the Alleghenies, and were raised to believe that politeness is next to godliness, then you have a significant problem. Of course, if you're from Minnesota, your problem is "why won't these people let me go home!"

For A Day Or A Lifetime
Finding a long-term solution to a terminally unaware friend may be possible, but probably at the expense of the friendship. Let's face it, there are people who will never understand when it's time to depart. That's their nature and it's OK. Better to have ready at your disposal an arsenal of techniques designed to gently-but firmly-dispatch your mate whenever the need arises.

HAVE Is Your Best Friend

Be Definitive. Forget words like "should" or "maybe". They're easily misunderstood. And trying to spare feelings leads to greater hurt in the long run. Friends will appreciate your directness. Use phrases like:


• "We'll HAVE to continue this another time."
  
  
• "You'll HAVE to finish your story another time."
  
  
• "We're not going to solve anything tonight and I HAVE to be ready to go bright and early."
  
  
• "I HAVE to get to bed NOW."

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tell it to the 'tat Have you got an etiquette issue? Need tips on social affairs? Ask Emil! This perfect guy can't answer every question, but maybe he'll choose yours. Let the cohabitation begin.