As we navigate through extended periods of staying at home to combat the pandemic, our proficiency in all things virtual has skyrocketed—think online classes, remote work meetings, and digital hangouts. The surge in virtual interactions has been vital during these isolating times when our need for connection is greater than ever, yet our means of achieving it are limited.
Even I, a self-proclaimed introvert, find myself yearning for social interaction. Recently, a virtual reunion with my college pals felt refreshing after a long day spent at home with my two kids, who were engaged in a heated debate over the significance of a forgotten penny. (Spoiler alert: the penny was completely forgotten ten minutes later. But that’s just life, right?)
Nonetheless, as an introvert, I require solitude to recharge after socializing. My energy starts to dwindle after too much group time—especially when I’ve already juggled work, homeschooling, and endless household tasks.
In the pre-pandemic world, I could easily excuse myself from a lengthy conversation with believable reasons: “I’m heading into a store,” or “I need to pick up my kids.” Now, however, the usual excuses feel nonexistent. I’m home all the time, and so are my friends. This leaves me stumped when I need to gracefully exit a virtual gathering.
I decided to turn to my social media for insights on how others creatively bow out of never-ending Zoom calls. The responses were both amusing and relatable, as it turns out many of us—introverts and extroverts alike—have developed imaginative ways to excuse ourselves from lengthy digital chats.
Common tactics included blaming technology woes—like an unstable internet connection or a dying laptop battery. The go-to move? Simply shutting the laptop and sending a quick apologetic text, perhaps with a sad emoji to emphasize the unfortunate timing.
Parents also leaned on their children as a clever excuse, saying things like, “I’ve got to go help my kid with schoolwork,” or “Sorry, I need to put my little ones to bed.” For those without kids, it was often a promise to FaceTime a niece or nephew goodnight. And let’s not forget the classic: “My dog needs a walk.”
Interestingly, kids have their own unique strategies. Some simply close the laptop and walk away, while others concoct elaborate stories, like chasing after a family pet. My own child once feigned a stomachache to escape a Zoom class—proving that some behaviors remain unchanged in the pandemic age.
The reality is that engaging virtually can be surprisingly draining. Despite the fact that we’re at home in our comfy clothes, the mental effort required to navigate non-verbal cues is immense. Plus, seeing our own faces on screen adds a layer of performance that can be exhausting.
As Joe Pinsker aptly noted, “Thankfully, we are seasoned liars and up to the test. Pandemic or no pandemic, innocuous white lies function as a social lubricant, allowing one to keep up an air of politeness while terminating conversations humanely.”
It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in craving social interaction while also needing to set limits to recharge. Each virtual gathering has its value, even if some leave me feeling drained. But hey, I’ve got to run—my dog’s waiting for her walk!
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Summary:
In the age of virtual gatherings, many are finding humorous and creative ways to excuse themselves from lengthy Zoom calls. Common tactics include blaming technology issues or using children as a reason to leave. Engaging online can be surprisingly draining, and it’s important to find balance and recharge.
Keyphrase: Creative excuses for Zoom meetings
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