How to Get Out of a Date: 7 Excuses

Ah, the joys of dating in San Francisco. The city is filled with amazing restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. But sometimes, no matter how excited you were about a potential date, things just don’t feel right. Maybe you’re not feeling well, or maybe you just don’t see a future with this person. Whatever the reason, sometimes you need to know how to get out of a date. Here are 7 excuses you can use to gracefully free up your evening in San Francisco.

“I’m sorry, I just ate a burrito from La Taqueria and I think I’m going to explode.”

Let’s face it, San Francisco is known for its incredible Mexican food, and La Taqueria in the Mission is a local favorite. So if you need to bail on a date, blaming it on an overly indulgent burrito is a great excuse. Not only will your date understand (because who hasn’t been there?), but they may even be jealous that they didn’t get to indulge in a burrito too. Not to mention, how bold it would be to question a bathroom emergency.

“I just remembered I have a group bike ride I promised I’d go on tonight.”

San Francisco is home to some of the best bike rides in the country, from the scenic Golden Gate Bridge to the challenging hills of Twin Peaks. If you need to bail on a date, telling your potential partner that you have a group bike ride you can’t miss is a great excuse. Not only does it show that you’re active and adventurous, but it’s also a great way to get out of an awkward date. Lean into the granola culture, baby.

“I’m so sorry, but my boss just called and I have to work late tonight.”

San Francisco is known for its booming tech industry, so it’s not uncommon for people to work long hours. If you need to get out of a date, blaming it on work is a tried-and-true excuse. Your date will understand that you’re dedicated to your job, and you’ll have a built-in excuse to leave early if you need to. There are plenty of SF stereotypes, and this one’s a no brainer.

“I just got a call from my friend who’s in town and I haven’t seen them in ages.”

San Francisco is a popular destination for tourists, so if you need to bail on a date, blaming it on a friend who’s in town is a great excuse. Your date will understand that you want to catch up with your friend and won’t take it personally. Plus, you may even be able to turn the night around and hang out with your friend instead.

“I think I’m coming down with something and I don’t want to get you sick.”

San Francisco is known for its microclimates, which can make it easy to catch a cold or the flu. If you need to get out of a date, telling your potential partner that you’re not feeling well is a great excuse. Not only will they appreciate that you don’t want to get them sick, but they’ll also understand that you need to take care of yourself.

“I just remembered that I have a family commitment tonight.”

Family is important to many people. Sometimes family commitments come up unexpectedly. If you need to get out of a date, telling your potential partner that you have a family commitment is a great excuse. It shows that you value your family and are responsible, and your date will understand that family obligations can sometimes come first.

“I’m sorry, but I just don’t think we have a connection.”

This one may not be as lighthearted or funny as the others, but sometimes you just need to be honest. If you’re not feeling a connection with your date, it’s better to be upfront about it than to string them along. Your date will appreciate your honesty and you’ll be able to move on from the situation.


Getting out of a date can be uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary. Whether you use one of these excuses or come up with your own, the most important thing is to be empathetic and respectful. And who knows, maybe your date will end up being understanding and even suggest rescheduling for another time. Remember, dating in San Francisco is an adventure, and sometimes that adventure includes knowing how to gracefully bow out of a date that just isn’t right for you.

Leave a Reply