Why do I always make excuses to leave events early?

Frequently wanting to depart from social gatherings ahead of time, often with a fabricated reason, can be a sign that underlying anxiety is at play. This behavior often stems from a desire to escape uncomfortable feelings like self-consciousness, overstimulation, or a fear of judgment. While the excuse provides temporary relief, understanding the root cause is key to feeling more at ease in social situations.

Research indicates that approximately 15% of adults in the US experience social anxiety at some point in their lives, often manifesting as a strong desire to avoid or escape social situations.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who makes excuses to leave events early because of anxiety?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone make excuses to leave events early due to anxiety?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to make excuses to leave events early due to anxiety?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to make excuses to leave events early due to anxiety?

Is It Weird?

Real stories from the community

sat there in the board meeting, laughing along with everyone else at Dave’s dumb joke about supply chains, palms sweating so much I had to casually wipe ‘em on my trousers under the table, feeling… …

anxiety hiding

You see it sometimes, the tremble. …

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I laughed, a real honest-to-god bark that probably sounded a bit unhinged in the boardroom, as Mark recounted his golf course mishap. …

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I was reciting the specials, kinda like a robot, and my brain was screaming for me to just bail, run out the back and keep going, but I guess after all the deployments you just sort of… keep serving,… …

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I went on a third date last night. …

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real reason I want to leave parties early?▾
Often, the desire to leave parties early is driven by feelings of overwhelm, social anxiety, or a sense of not belonging. It's a way to reduce stimulation and retreat to a more comfortable environment when these feelings become too intense.
How can I stop feeling anxious at social gatherings?▾
To reduce anxiety at social gatherings, try focusing on one-on-one conversations, taking short breaks outside, or having a few prepared conversation starters. Gradually increasing your exposure can also help build comfort over time.
Is it rude to leave an event without saying goodbye?▾
While it's generally considered polite to say a quick goodbye, if you're feeling overwhelmed, a discreet departure is sometimes preferable to staying and becoming overly distressed. Consider a quick text to the host later if you're concerned about appearing rude.

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