Sneaking out of a party without saying goodbye, AKA “Smoke Bombing,” might sound rude, but a mental health expert says it could actually be a form of self-care. The social trend, often called an “Irish goodbye”, involves quietly leaving an event without making the rounds to farewell every guest. While some people see it as awkward or impolite, experts now believe it may help protect people from social burnout.
The Hidden Exhaustion of Saying Goodbye
Psychologist Trudy Meehan from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland says the end of a social event can be surprisingly draining. According to Meehan, every goodbye takes emotional energy, attention and effort, especially after hours of conversation and socialising. She explained that by the end of a party, many people already feel mentally exhausted, which can make multiple farewells feel overwhelming.
A Quiet Exit Could Help Your Well-being
Meehan believes people “shouldn’t leave a party completely drained,” arguing that slipping away quietly may help preserve emotional energy and reduce feelings of burnout. The phrase “Irish goodbye” is commonly used in English-speaking countries, while some parts of Europe refer to the same move as a “French exit”. Although opinions remain divided on the etiquette, the expert says quietly leaving could actually help people manage social fatigue and maintain better emotional well-being.
