The Art of Leaving

“It is better to leave with a question on their lips than a yawn in their hearts.” – Frank Sinatra

In work or in your personal life, do not overstay your welcome. It is far better to leave sooner than to linger even a moment longer than you should. If your visit is planned for three days, leave on the second. If your meeting is scheduled for 1 hour, wrap up and leave 5-10 minutes early. Your host may protest—insisting it’s no bother and urging you to stay—but understand that this is the duty of a good host. Their polite and hospitable nature will compel them to say so, even if their patience is wearing thin.

Even when their intentions are genuine, you should go. It is better to leave with your host wishing you had stayed longer, proclaiming, “There’s never enough time!” than to risk overstaying and causing irritation. A host may still utter the same polite phrases of warmth, but when masking hidden agitation, their words lose sincerity.

Do not be the cause of stress for your host or host, forcing them into disingenuous niceties. To avoid this, leave while the air is still light and the smiles still genuine. By leaving early, you ensure you’ll be remembered fondly and missed rather than silently endured and sent off with hidden relief.