What’s the secret to an efficient drunken goodbye?


Do you really want to go around kissing every last person goodbye? Photo by Chris Applegate.
Do you really want to go around kissing every last person goodbye? Photo by Chris Applegate.
Do you really want to go around kissing every last person goodbye? Photo by Chris Applegate.

You’ve had enough. You’re ready to escape a gathering, but, in many countries, manners dictate going around the table to kiss everyone goodbye. With a certain type of folks and level of chaos and inebriation, these goodbyes can take ages.

The Germans have a much less kissy-kissy culture than many of their European counterparts, so it should come as no surprise that they also offer a more efficient farewell solution. Here, it’s acceptable to simply rap your fist on the table to announce your departure. That little knock counts as the goodbye for everyone — no individual kisses, hugs, promises to get together again soon, drunken propositions or tears. You’re out of here, Auf Wiedersehen.