3 Excuses that noone will argue about

So you’ve got something really important you have to take care of – or at least you think it’s important. However, it appears that a friend or co-worker or boss just will not let you go. Whether you’re trying to get out of a meeting or a stagnant get together with a friend, here are several excuse philosophies to go buy. Now, to be pragmatic, there probably shouldn’t be a reason you can’t just be straightforward about your “other” obligations. If you have to go watch the opening night of a new movie you’ve been hoping to see since forever, go ahead and do it. Alas, life isn’t exactly all about being straight forward now is it? Personally, I prefer to be self assertive and make my other obligations apparent, but I do come across times where a little shift of truth is important to the continual prosperity of a certain moment or situation with colleagues and friends. So, during these moments there are several options when making the great escape

1. The Perfect Lie: You’ve crafted the perfect scheme that involves a conspiracy with government officials endowed with a little bit of a drama for that poignant theatrical flair… Okay, hold it! Even “if” that story were vaguely true, realize that the longer it is the more made up it sounds. You obviously put a lot of thought into avoiding overtime work huh? Realize that the perfect lie should be shorter than what you imagined. Instead of going with a long story, try this approach. Think about the values of the person you are trying to convince, say for instance, they take great pride in being a parent. All you have to do is nudge on their value strings by emphasizing that you’re child needs you because they are sick, you can then add that you have to take them to the doctors or whatever else. If you don’t have kids, bring in your niece or nephew or even blast that you are someone’s Big Brother/Sister mentor.

The only warning I have for you is that lying in this fashion should not be made a habit. People, especially in the workplace, are very keen on people who are excuse manufacturers. So choose your lies carefully and don’t forget that excuse for at least one whole week. The reason being is that if you are cross examined on the facts, you don’t want to be screwed over. So back to the example, be sure that you remember enough details to not trip yourself over.

2. Vagueness with sincerity: I have a “thing”. One of the most clichéd statements we say when we are caught of guard and need to flee from certain individuals. So, you don’t want to lie for one reason or another, but you certainly want to get out of the current predicament. If for instance you’re spending time with a friend, but you are completely bored with their company and rather do something else away from them (if this is a continual problem maybe you need to find new friends) here are a few tactics to handle these cases.

Leaving someone with a vague response is difficult because it obviously begs the question, “What is it?” and “Why?” For those die hard truth tellers, this may be the best option, especially if the reason for your escape is a bit ridiculous i.e. leaving a pal to watch a documentary on hot dogs, for instance. In such situations, the best tactic is to be swift and to signal that you are leaving no matter what. That is the trick. If you’re sitting down having coffee for example, tell the person that you are leaving to do something that you cannot miss out on. Be sure to stand up right afterwards and arrange for another meeting – if you desire to see this person again. Make sure to be sincere, especially if you were the one that initiated this meeting. Finally, if it’s an important person, tell them you’ll make it up (do this if you really intend on making it up).

3. The Truth. Nothing is more powerful than the truth. I know I know. You’re expecting more advice on how to get out of tough spots without getting scathed. Granted, however, in this world, we all pay a price to get something. If we consistently lie, it will not only damage our reputations if caught, but it also leads to a never ending cycle of self destruction. Simply put, we can start denouncing our own self worth because they seem eclipsed by the whims of other people. This is an underlying problem of individuals who chronically lie. Not only that, but by telling the truth, there is validity and ultimately strength in not only our words, but our demeanor.

If you really have to take care of something, be upfront about it. Don’t let others boss you around, even if it is the boss. In fact, if it is your boss, being upfront about something even in the face of adversity can only garner respect. You don’t want to be the pushover right? That may be generic advice, and you really might need that raise, but don’t forget the issue of a raise against your own values. I prefer to take values, unless I’ve overruled my humanity or if I really want that new boat.