/
1x
Advertisement
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
City News

Dear Urban Diplomat: Are guests obliged to say goodbye when they leave a party?

By Urban Diplomat
Copy link
Dear Urban Diplomat: So Long, Farewell
(Image: woodleywonderworks)

Dear Urban Diplomat, My partner and I love to host parties. They’re usually lively affairs of 30 people or so, and they often last well into the night. Lately we’ve noticed an alarming trend: guests vanishing without saying goodbye. We feel that’s a faux pas. What say you?

—So Long, Farewell Riverside

I guess, but you know what else is a faux pas? Instructing your guests to say goodbye. I myself have been pulling the same move ever since a wild New Year’s bash in 2009, when I skipped out early to avoid doing the technicolour yawn. The tactic, commonly known as the French leave (or as the French call it, the English leave), is obviously not one I’d pull at a sit-down dinner for six, but for parties of 20 or more, it’s definitely kosher. In fact, I find that many hosts prefer it—provided the guest has made an attempt to say hello—because they’re spared the drawn-out goodbyes. If you still feel it’s offside, try this simple solution: take your guests’ coats when they arrive and stash them out of sight. That way they’ll have no choice but to find you for a fulfilling send-off.

Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com

THIS CITY

Obsessive coverage of Toronto, straight to your inbox

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Big Stories

Inside the rise and fall of the Vaulter Bandit, the 21st century’s most notorious bank robber
Deep Dives

Inside the rise and fall of the Vaulter Bandit, the 21st century’s most notorious bank robber

Inside the Latest Issue

The June issue of Toronto Life features our annual ranking of the best new restaurants. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.