No need for soirée excuses

Not all party guests are created equal. Make sure you have an escape plan, in case you're stuck with someone dull

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

The festive season is in full swing now, and you know what that means, don't you? Yes, there will be an endless slew of dinner parties that you will have to attend from here until the New Year dawns. And that means donning your finery and heading out for banal conversation and indifferent food night after night, until you are ready to scream blue murder.

If you are anything like me, you will inevitably end up being stuck with the biggest bore in the gathering, exchanging bland platitudes while your eyes glaze over and you slowly lose the will to live. But don't worry, help is at hand. I have spent the last few years perfecting my technique to end boring conversations and head on to someone more interesting at the party. And today I am going to share some of my tips with you so that you too can terminate your conversations with the resident bore without causing undue offence.