Expert warns why an ‘Irish Exit’ is almost never a good idea

If you're anything like me, you've probably given more than one Irish Exit in your time - but maybe they're not such a good idea.

In case, you have no idea what I'm talking about, an 'Irish Exit' is when you leave a party or event without saying goodbye to anybody.

It really can be as simple as slipping out of the back door and into the night, towards the comfort of your own bed and maybe even a kebab.

While you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Irish invented the concept of just leaving unannounced, however, it's also been attributed to the French, Spanish and even us Brits - so it seems like it's an universal strategy.

However, there's a only a few situations where it's acceptable to dip out unnoticed, according to an etiquette expert.

Considering leaving a party early without saying goodbye? That's an Irish Exit. (Getty Stock Image)

Diane Gottsman, the founder of the Protocol School of Texas, told TODAY.com that many people often ask her whether or not it's bad etiquette.

She said: "People just want to know, is it appropriate? Was it rude for me to leave? Or, I had guests over and all of a sudden one was gone."

In terms of whether or not it's acceptable, Gottsman says that if you've been at a large event for a while, you can sometimes lose track of the host or perhaps they are 'tied up with other duties or in deep conversation' - therefore, it's not so egregious.

She also went on to list a number of things that make an Irish Exit acceptable, which include illness, food poisoning, childcare cancellations, and family emergencies.

However, when it comes to smaller parties, then a 'quick goodbye' should be more than sufficient.

The woman in the middle is DEFINITELY thinking about making an Irish Exit... (Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images)

"I do think that a 'thank you' after an event is always appropriate," she said.

While there are examples above on when it might be understandable to leave without a trace, Gottsman thinks that the best general rule of thumb is saying goodbye.

She explains: "There is very little justification for an Irish Exit that doesn’t most of the time scream 'rude' to the host.

"A quick and friendly goodbye to the host, or at least a smile and a wave, is the best 'au revoir' you can manage.

"It’s the polite way to end an evening and leave your host thinking you are a wonderful guest."

Though, if you're just way too addicted to the Irish Exit, there's a way to make amends.

"Reach out to the host by phone, text or thank-you note and let them know you had a great time," Gottsman suggests.

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