h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

By faking an illness at a family gathering, you can take the upper-foot in many situations:
1. You can leave early if the illness ‘flares up again’;
2. The old aunties love you because you actually showed up even though your sick;
3. You don’t have to get to close to the old dearies because you don’t want them to catch anything;
4. You don’t have to go and play 'dress ups' with the little ones because again, you don’t want to give them anything;
5. If your confronted by an embarrassing question, a small coughing fit will mean you can excuse yourself for a breath of fresh air/glass of water.
And if in doubt, make it sound convincing.

[NOTE: this only works if the function is not being held at your house]

Hey Cpn Petey!

You probably have the best idea if you are looking for an out....I must admit I pulled that one myself....

But I find that many times when you dread going somewhere or doing something, that's when you have the best time!

I guess if I was totally stuck in a bad situation......I think I would just make fun of everyone to myself or co-conspirator and have a good laugh......and if that didn't work....I'd start coughing......

Barb

Well I don't really mind my own family parties cause everyone's crazy and laughs at themselves anyways. But being slighty 'sick' can help dodge those annoying questions.

But family parties for say my girlfriend, well that a bit more daunting.
Granted i haven't met them yet, it seems like a good idea to rock up with a 'illness' so that if I completely insult them, I can blame the anti-cough medicine.