We have to admit, even the most loving families can be pretty difficult to handle during reunions. There are some people you can’t stand and conversations you can’t bear to be in. But we all don’t want to be rude so we end up sitting there while slowly dying inside.

And this holiday season, we are bound to be stuck in unwanted conversations while attending all of these family gatherings.

But there is no need to suck it up this time around. Here are some ways you can get out of a conversation without seeming (too) rude.

Bring in a sacrifice

Have a guest who still can’t believe how Game of Thrones ended (and won’t shut up about it)? Oh, just introduce them to your cousin who had always been on Team Tyrion!

Just pull someone else into the conversation then make your escape once everyone’s distracted!

Take a bathroom break

Though not particularly inventive, this is probably the safest way to escape a conversation. Excuse yourself for a moment and head for the bathroom and maybe stay there for a few minutes before reemerging. Hopefully, the people you’re talking to would have lost interest by then or the food would have finally been served.

Oh, and if anyone tried to question you, just tell them you got ambushed by another conversation on your way back.

Hit the karaoke

No one will dare talk to you while you’re trying to project the your inner diva, right?

Imagine, you get to escape an awkward conversation and you get to enjoy a few moments of singing your heart out—this trick is a double win for you!

Make it a one-sided conversation

Showing that you’re not interested or don’t know much about the subject of your conversation by responding with one-liners isn’t exactly the nicest way to escape a conversation, but is quite effective (provided that the person you’re talking to can read the room).

Who knows? Maybe whoever you’re talking to would be kind enough to change the subject to something that may actually interest you, right?

“Kakain na!”

Food is always the best way to distract anyone. Pray that the food gets prepared and someone starts calling everyone over to eat.

But if your prayers weren’t effective, offer to get some drinks. That’ll give you some time away from the unwanted encounter.

Volunteer for dish-washing duty

Not only will you be excused from all the family interaction after but you will also be deemed as a kind soul.

Just hope that the stack of plates you’ll be facing won’t be a mountain high.

Fake the flu

Yes, it’s a pretty stale excuse and kind of lame. But with the right amount of acting skills, one would sure be able to pull off this trick.

Plus, this one is sure to get you an excuse to lounge in your room for a while!

“Tawag daw ako ni Mama!”

The ultimate armor. No one⁠, not even the president, can argue once you dropped this excuse.

Who would want to anger a mother, right?

But of course, it’s always good to stay and hang around with the family. These kinds of gatherings don’t often come by, do you really want to miss it?

Do you have other foolproof ways to escape unwanted conversations? Share them with us below!