irishgoodbyeblog

🍀 The Irish Goodbye... on the Main Line

Hi Neighbor! It’s party time! That time of year when we’re out and about celebrating and hosting family and friends. The one thing I hate about big parties is the long goodbye. Inevitably I decide…

Hi Neighbor!

It’s party time! That time of year when we’re out and about celebrating and hosting family and friends. The one thing I hate about big parties is the long goodbye. Inevitably I decide it’s time to hit the road, look around to plan my escape route. It’s the end of the night but it’s only just the beginning.

Where’s the host? Do I need to say goodbye to everyone I vaguely know and rarely see? Do I tell my besties I’m heading out only to be coerced into staying for just one more?

I’ve tried the long farewell. Someone spots me saying goodbye and realize they didn’t get to chat me up; it may be another year, so they approach, and a full-blown conversation ensues. Someone overhears I’m taking pottery classes and they jump in “I’ve always wanted to try that.”  Two more people swing by, OK to another drink and suddenly I’m making plans to have the ladies over for a monthly movie night. I should have started saying goodbye before I arrived.

Hello Irish Goodbye! It’s when I say, “Be right back,” and then disappear, never to be seen again. Etiquette manuals maintain that leaving unannounced is rude; in case you are still consulting your Emily Post, but I say it’s the perfect exit. I’m 98% Irish so it’s in my blood. No countless goodbyes, clumsy interruptions, and the awkward final wave… “Bye everyone!” Cringe.

One caveat is that I do thank the host. I quick kiss on the cheek or air kiss from across the room and I’m out, moments away from ripping off the Spanx, donning my PJs, falling fast asleep while my friends ask, “Where’s Reg?!?”

Cheers!
Regina