Polite or too upfront? TikToker's unexpected tactic to get dinner guests to leave early

It's challenging to cater to all preferences, whether it's family or friends. Sometimes, even if we know our loved one's preferences, their partners may have different ones, such as preferring to retire to bed earlier.

Yawning and covertly glancing at the watch are common subtle signals many of us use to hint it's time to leave, though these may often go unnoticed, especially if the guests are absorbed in conversation or if alcohol is involved in the evening's proceedings.

Despite this, we have yet to devise a universally accepted polite way to ask guests to leave.

A TikTok user recently posted a video sharing a "subtle" sign she created to ensure guests don't overstay their welcome at her place.

Related: She lives in an open relationship. The idea came from her husband

Melissa and her husband Ryan, who jointly run a TikTok account, offer a unique solution. A video showing the preparation for a party was uploaded on their account, revealing Melissa's unconventional method - a garland hanging over the curtains with the inscription "please leave before 9 PM". Ryan was quite taken aback by this.

"I adore hosting parties, but I also prefer an early night," quipped his wife.

Her husband wasn't completely sold on the idea, doubting its effectiveness. Moreover, not all internet users appreciated this novel approach either.

"Great. Plan a party for 8 PM, hardly seems worth attending," remarked one commentator.

"Upon spotting such a sign, my family would just chuckle and linger until 2 in the morning," wrote another user.

However, others admired the straightforwardness of the sign, noting that it could facilitate communication between guests and hosts, thus preventing any potential misunderstandings.