Is It Rude To Leave A Party Without Saying Goodbye?

Like with most things, Southerners have a strong opinion on the matter.

The minute you’ve accepted an invitation to a party means that you’re obligated to be a good guest, which starts when you arrive and ends when you leave. While there are plenty of etiquette nuances around how to maneuver a party appropriately, including how to politely end a conversation, many people tend to forget that how you exit a party is also up for debate. While it might be tempting to simply fade out of a party without making a fuss, you wouldn’t want to risk a party foul. Which leads up to the ultimate question: Is it rude to ever leave an event without saying goodbye?

In short, most Southerners will wholeheartedly attest that, yes, it is indeed considered impolite to leave without saying goodbye to your hosts and other guests in most circumstances. We apologize in advance to those partygoers whose social batteries run out while the occasion is still in full swing. Though you surely desire to quietly exit in an effort to be home in bed as quickly as possible, it’s not as simple in a Southern crowd.

Also known colloquially as “ghosting,” “an Irish exit,” or “a French leave,” departing somewhere without signaling that you are leaving might be acceptable in a few circumstances, such as in wedding etiquette if you have congratulated the happy couple and lasted at least until the cake cutting, or if you've diligently tried to find the host of an event for awhile with no luck. However, in most cases, it’s best to take the time to thank your hosts, even if you risk getting roped into another conversation. Throwing an event can require a lot of work, so it is always nice to show appreciation for the planning.

If anything, in the South we are guilty of the “long goodbye,” which is a drawn-out affair that neither person can seem to wrap up without feeling impolite. It doesn’t matter if we are stopped in the middle of the street with the car window rolled down or exchanging pleasantries with a neighbor. Winding down a conversation needs to happen in a way that doesn’t suggest we’re tired of talking to that particular person. Now, imagine that—but in a group setting. That’s what we face when attempting to bow out of a bash.

When in doubt, put in the extra effort and wish everyone a dear farewell. And don’t forget to heed these 9 Things You Should Stop Doing At Dinner Parties to avoid any other faux pas.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.