Q: What did you do last night? A: Oh, the usual. You know me, I’ve always got something going on. Q: What are your plans for this weekend? A: Well, I was thinking about meeting up with some people downtown.
It can help if you have some emergency chores or errands in reserve. This can also be a kinder way of postponing plans with somebody, as it is less direct (and cold) than a simple “no. " When you are certain you don’t want to be available and, instead, want to showcase your elusiveness, planned responses can be useful: “I’d love to join, but I have plans already. How about next time?” “I hate how busy I’ve been lately. I keep missing your parties. Next weekend I’m free if you are. " “You have no idea how much I’d rather be hanging with you, but something’s come up and I have to take care of it. "
Look slightly upwards without completely breaking line of sight with your conversation partner to indicate distraction. Repeated actions, like tapping your toes or casually checking your watch, also serve as signs that you might have other factors to contend with. [5] X Research source Try to use subtle gestures so that you don’t end up upsetting anyone.
If asked about your relationship with high status members, be vague or hint at non-specifics. As an example: A: Hey, what were you and the class president talking about the other day? B: Nothing in particular, aside from what everyone is talking about. But I really don’t want to continue that conversation here, so maybe we’ll pick it up again later?
“I’ll be downtown tonight with some people my cousin introduced me to. " “So this guy I met through a friend of mine from way back said he had exactly the same problem as you. "
Get a lucky charm, like a rabbits foot, lucky coin, or game piece. These are highly portable, good conversation pieces, and can be soothing to trace or pet with your hand. Consider a personal variation of a good luck gesture, like knocking on stone instead of knocking on wood, or tapping on the frame of a door before entering a room.
If a friend asks you to come on an outing, you might tell him that you were planning on going to the museum, and that you would love to join some other time. If you should change your mind, like in the case of you finding out your best friend was also going on the trip, you can always say, “You know, I can go to the museum any day. I think I will join you this time. "
Use your knowledge of the lay of the land to your advantage. With a stopwatch you can time your return to the scene so that it’s a surprise that makes people ask, “Where did you come from? And. . . when did you leave?”
Make sure you spend enough time with the people in your life to keep your relationships healthy. Even if you do not feel the closest connection with a person, you should always take feelings into account.
