Lemon Law

I have to admit this idea is not originally mine-- I first saw it joked about in the television series How I Met Your Mother.

The idea is that on first dates, you often know it's not going to work out within the first couple minutes.  Sitting through an entire date knowing this can be no fun, not to mention a waste of time for both of you.  Both parties should be given a window at the beginning of the date (say, 5 minutes) during which they can invoke the Lemon Law, call off the date, and have no hard feelings.  At a restaurant, this is before you've ordered, so you can each go your own way.  In a bar, though, you've usually gotten a beer by then, so there might be a bit of awkwardness while you finish your drinks.  I suggest practicing chugging beer for just this occasion.

In practice, it may be a bit rude (and odd) to bluntly invoke some concept from a sitcom.  Generally, I'll be very forward and explain that I'm not interested, but would be happy to finish the meal or go our separate ways then.  With few exceptions, most women appreciate the candor.  Some agree we're probably not dating-compatible, but most want to finish out the date.

The hardest time to do this is when you're really not that attracted to the other person.  If this is a date you've set up, it's hard to say, "You're not as good-looking as I thought you were in the bar last week."   I've never done this, but being in this situation has made me more selective when picking up women.  This also happens when you've been set up on a blind date.  Either by a friend or over the internet, it's tough to say, "You're not as good-looking as my friend told me you were."

My solution for blind dates has become my own personal Lemon Law.  Before the date, when you're setting things up, explain the situation.  There's no harm in saying you're not sure how things will go-- you haven't met them yet, you're not insulting anyone.  They're thinking the same thing.  Explain to them you should both have a graceful way out early planned beforehand if you don't want to stick it out.  Something  like, "My best friend just called and he's locked himself out of his apartment.  I've got his spare key, so I need to run and let him in."  You'll both know it's a complete lie, but the fabrication somehow makes it easier to say and easier to take.

Just be prepared to be on the receiving end of the excuse from time to time.