How to Avoid People You Know in Public Without Looking Like a Jerk
The Art of Dodging
Why Is This So Hard?
Okay, let’s consider you are walking down the street, minding your own business. Maybe you are enjoying a rare moment of peace, when suddenly—*bam*—you spot someone you know. You know at that moment, you have to do something.
Then gradually, panic sets in. You wonder if you should stop and chat?
Should you pretend you didn’t see them? This feels literally like an Olympic-level sport! Seriously, why is it so hard to just politely avoid someone without looking like you are running for your life?
The Classic Phone Trick
So, let me tell you, here’s my go-to move- the classic “pretend to be on your phone” trick. You know what I’m talking about.right? You see them from a distance, and before they notice you, are suddenly very interested in whatever’s on your screen. Maybe you’re “texting,” maybe you’re “checking an important email,” or maybe you’re just scrolling mindlessly.
Suddenly you are the busiest person in the world.
But remember, the key is to look focused, like you’re deep in thought. And trust me, it works about 70% of the time - until they catch you anyway.
The Quick Turnaround
Then there’s this one option left - “quick turnaround” technique. This one’s tricky, but if done right, it’s pure magic.
You are walking, you see them, and before they can make eye contact, you have already spun around and headed in the opposite direction. Oh! I have tried this so many times.
Now I have perfected this move to the point where I could probably moonwalk out of a situation if I had to.
The trick is to make it look natural—like you suddenly remembered you left the stove on or something.
Of course, this one has a high risk of them noticing, which leads to that awkward, “Were you just avoiding me?” conversation. So, always proceed with caution.
The Fake Urgency Move
Now, let me tell you about my personal favorite—the “fake urgency” move. This one’s great because it’s all about the body language.
You spot them, you freeze for a split second, and then suddenly, you’re in a hurry.
Maybe you’re late for an imaginary meeting, maybe your bladder’s about to explode, or maybe you just remembered you have left a cake in the oven (even though you can’t bake anything, just like me). So, whatever it is, basically it’s that you are in a rush, and there’s no time for chit-chat.
So just wave quickly, throw in a “Hey, I’ll catch you later!” and speed-walk out of there like you’re on a mission. You can try to run like the way Tom Cruise runs in his movies.
This one’s foolproof, and it saves you from the guilt of completely ignoring them.
Remember, it’s all about subtlety and timing. I know that you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but sometimes, you just need to get through the day without getting sucked into a 20-minute conversation about their latest shopping experience.
Trust me, it’s okay to dodge now and then. You are not just the only one, we all do it, and if anyone tells you they don’t, they are either lying or they are way too friendly for their own good.
Happy dodging!
P.S. If you’ve ever mastered the art of dodging people in public, share your tips in the comments section below.
