When leaving a party, I learned a trick from a friend.

Rather than starting the painful process of saying goodbye to everyone, or having to wait for the herd to thin out, you just casually stroll out.

If anyone asks you say “I am going to the car to get a sweater”

@Migueldeicaza I just don't say goodbye to everyone. I say goodbye to the host(s), then throw a general "goodbye!" to anyone paying attention. Then I leave.