Buzz
Reliable excuses to use when you need a break from home
Whether you're under strict parental supervision, grounded, or simply craving some time away from your partner or housemates, we've all faced moments where we had to bend the truth just to get out of the house. Here's a list of go-to excuses that can help you sneak away for a little while — whether it's for a quick break, a few hours, or even a whole day!
Important Points to Keep in Mind
- Claim you need to go out to retrieve something you misplaced or forgot elsewhere.
- Tell them you're working on a crucial group assignment or preparing for a major exam.
- Present your outing as a chore or community service task.
- Reference a prior commitment, like a dinner reservation or party invitation, to justify your departure.
Action Plan
“I misplaced my phone when I was out.”
Blame it on a missing or misplaced item. Claiming that you’ve lost something important like your phone or wallet is an ideal excuse for stepping out for an hour or two in search of it. You can also coordinate with a friend to ‘find’ it, giving you a reason to meet up when you go to retrieve it from them.
“I left my textbook at my friend’s place.”
Make visiting your friend seem necessary. To sell this excuse, you’ll probably need to have proof that you left something behind at their house, so your parents don’t get suspicious. Have your friend send you a photo showing the item clearly in their possession, or get their parents to call yours to confirm they’re holding onto it.
“My study group is meeting tomorrow.”
Use the excuse of an important test or project to step out. No one will question the need to study for an important exam or complete a group project. If your parents are especially strict, this excuse might even please them, as they’ll assume you're taking the initiative to focus on your academics.
“I volunteered for some community service.”
Step out under the guise of doing good for others. Offering to volunteer for a charity or service project is an excuse that’s tough to argue against. This can give you several hours of freedom while simultaneously making you seem like a kind-hearted person. Just make sure you have all the details, like where you’ll be volunteering and with whom, so your story holds up.
“I have a work commitment that I simply can’t avoid.”
Blame it on an unavoidable work event. Work dinners, charity functions, team-building events, and meetings are all regular parts of working life, and they’re often tough to back out of. When mentioning it, try to look particularly somber, so no one suspects you might have other plans in mind.
“My friend is really unwell, and I need to check in on them.”
Create a situation that demands urgent attention. This will allow you to leave the house quickly and without a set return time, as you can’t predict how long the emergency will take to resolve. Some convincing emergencies might include:
- Your friend's pet passed away, and you need to provide comfort.
- A friend’s dog went missing, and you're helping search for it.
- An urgent issue arose at work, and you need to head in right away to address it.
“I’m just stepping out to get some fresh air.”
Be honest and simply say you need a quick break outside. Unless you're specifically forbidden from leaving the house, there's nothing wrong with taking a few minutes to breathe in some fresh air. Whether you actually take a walk or decide to do something else is up to you, but it gives you the perfect chance to step out of the house for a while.
“I’m heading to the gym for a while.”
Invent a plausible location where you'll be. If you're planning to meet up with a friend, attend a party, or take a short trip without raising any doubts, simply tell the other person you’ll be somewhere else. Make sure the location matches the time you'll be away. Don’t say you’ll be out running errands when you're planning to be gone for days. Some alternative locations include:
- Grocery shopping
- Visiting a relative’s home for a few days
- Going to the library
- Attending a club meeting
“I’m just going to take out the trash.”
Make it seem like you're helping out with chores. Most parents or partners won’t argue when you volunteer to help around the house. The more time-consuming the chore, the better. Taking out the trash won’t give you much time, but it can buy you a few minutes outside or allow you to make a quick call. Here are some other chores you could use to your advantage:
- Taking the dog on a long walk
- Doing laundry at the laundromat
- Driving to the donation center with clothes and other items
- Dropping off recycling at the recycling center
“I thought I heard something outside.”
Step outside to check out a strange noise. While this might not give you hours of freedom, it’s a good excuse to leave the house quickly and take a few moments to yourself. Use the time to take a brief walk around the block or chat with a friend nearby.
“We’ve been planning this dinner for weeks.”
Leverage a pre-arranged event to justify your need to leave. It’s common knowledge that canceling plans at the last minute is considered rude, so the person you're talking to is likely to be more understanding if you explain you can’t back out of your prior commitments. This excuse becomes even more effective if your plans involve someone who’s depending on you being there. Other examples could include:
- Picking up a friend from the airport
- Assisting a friend or family member with moving
- Watching over kids for a friend or relative
- Celebrating a birthday with a loved one
Important Considerations
- Always ensure your excuses are believable. Failing to follow through will lead to a loss of trust.
