Avoidance Techniques

Saying You Need Some Time Alone

Technique 1: The Classic "I'm Dead to the World" Method

• Make a big show of putting on a pair of earplugs
• Explain that you're on a "silent retreat" for the day
• Point out the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door is a very serious thing

Saying You Need Some Time Alone

Technique 2: The "I'm On a Mission" Strategy

• Claim you're working on a "top-secret project" that requires complete focus
• Make a big deal about how it's for a client (any client)
• Emphasize that you can't be bothered with small talk or meetings

Bonus Technique: The "I'm In a Meeting with My Therapist" Method

This one works best when you're really struggling.

• Just go for it
• You can always say it's for "research"
• People will be too polite to call you out

Pretending to Listen

Pretending to Care