"As I get older, I realize more and more that time is important: time with family, time for work, making sure you’re there for friends, and, of course, the most time possible for love."

- Richie Frieman

Richie Frieman is an author, illustrator, and etiquette expert, widely recognized as a “Modern-Day Renaissance Man.” His dynamic career spans writing, illustration, podcasting, design, and entrepreneurship.

He has written extensively on professional and social decorum, including his bestselling book REPLY ALL...And Other Ways to Tank Your Career, a sharp and witty take on workplace etiquette.

Today, he’s here to answer your etiquette questions—offering practical, no-nonsense advice for handling life’s most awkward moments with confidence and style.

"I was on a date, and the conversation was fine, but I knew I wasn’t feeling it. Is there a polite way to cut the date short without pretending I have an ‘early morning’?”

As I get older, I realize more and more that time is important: time with family, time for work, making sure you’re there for friends, and, of course, the most time possible for love. Understanding that point, the easiest way to prepare for a possible quick exit is to bring up your tomorrow, tonight. For example, the first thing someone will likely ask you on a first date is, “How was your day today?” or “How’s work?” These rather standard questions allow you an easy door opener to talk about your “busy workday tomorrow” as a get-out-of-an-awkward-jail-free card.

Without a doubt, you will know quickly where this date stands with your value of time, so you can either use this excuse early or right after the bill comes and tuck it away if things are going well.

“I ran into someone I know but blanked on their name. I panicked and avoided saying it altogether. Is there a better way to handle that in the moment?”

For the record, I’ll openly admit that forgetting people’s names is a weakness I constantly try to fix. With that, misplacing someone’s name should not brand you as a rude person for life. It happens to all of us. Still, to avoid that embarrassment, there are two ways to secretly avoid asking for their name again.

The first situation is when you’re already with someone else and then run into someone new whose name you forget. If you have time, while the forgotten-named person is far enough away, mumble quietly to your friend, “Please introduce yourself first!” That way, your friend puts their hand out to initiate the introductions, and now you have all names on the table.

In the same situation, if you don’t have ample time for a quick sidebar hint to your friend, I always like to point to the person I’m with and introduce them first as if presenting them to the forgotten-named person. For example, “It’s so nice to see you again,” then gesture to your friend, “This is Bob.” Bob extends his hand, and now the forgotten-named person says their name. Just make sure you remember it again.

Another way, when you’re flying solo and honestly can’t remember, is to ask them how to spell their name. Trust me, it works. For example, they approach you, your mind goes blank, and you say, “How do you spell your name again?” They may think it’s odd, but then you add, “It’s so funny because a friend of mine spells her name with an A on the end.” Laugh it off, play it cool, and forget it ever happened. Again, you’re simply doing this to buy yourself some grace and avoid being uncomfortable.

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