[beta_plus]

A few days ago, I was at a professional networking event when I noticed a cute girl checking me out from across the room. I'm sure that I could have easily broken into the group she was in. I eventually was able to excuse myself but by that time someone else had already approached her.

The thing was, I was in a group already that for professional and personal reasons I needed to be polite to. This was not a dark and loud night club or bar. Saying "I'm going for a drink" or "going ot the bathroom" might backfire on me if I don't follow through (I actually said I was going for a drink and 2 minutes later the window was closed). What's a way to excuse yourself fast in a way that's polite? Keep in mind, I needed to keep my current group on my good side for professional and personal reasons.

[Brosemite]

Pretend like you have a phone call..while walking to towards the girl...pick up the phone saying "hello..hello.." hang up. Then make up a dumb line about whether the gal is getting phone reception in the bar or not.

[scorpion]

There's a difference between being polite and being obsequious.

Simply excusing yourself is polite. "Excuse me," would suffice. Or if you're feeling slightly more generous, "Excuse me, I'll be back in a few minutes, I have to take care of something."

You're (presumably) a grown ass man. You don't have to get other peoples' permission about where you go or who you talk to in a social situation. You don't owe anyone the pleasure of your presence for a designated amount of time. If you have a pressing reason to talk to someone else, excuse yourself and go do so.

This is a good example of being way too sensitive about what other people think about you in a social situation and as a result being scared to act.

Besides, people prefer the company of a confident man, even if he is not exceedingly polite, over that of a timid man who never offends.

[WestCoast]

"Hold on one second I see an old co-worker/classmate of mine"...

Even if you strike out you just say you we're mistaken bc you glanced across room. Done.

I did this all the time when I used to recruit for investment banks

[Therapsid]

This sounds like old-fashioned approach anxiety. When it doubt, just fucking approach. Scorpion's right: "excuse me" is more than sufficient.

Of course, if you're talking to Bill Gates or Warren Buffett then you should go ahead and ignore your male instincts. Most mortal businessmen, however, admire a man who can pick up random beautiful women.