Chapter 11 — In a Hurry
Respectful exits and second chances.
Sometimes she's genuinely in a hurry. Sometimes she's using it as an excuse. Either way, respect it. Don't try to convince her to stay. Be brief, get contact info if possible, or accept the exit gracefully. You can always try again later if you see her again.
She Says She's in a Hurry
Her: Tengo prisa.
Word-by-word: I-have hurry.
Natural English: I'm in a hurry.
Your reply: Entiendo. ¿Puedo darte mi número rápido?
Word-by-word: I-understand. Can-I to-give-you my number quick?
Natural English: I understand. Can I give you my number quickly?
Why: Respects her time while leaving the door open.
She's Running Late
Her: Llego tarde.
Word-by-word: I-arrive late.
Natural English: I'm running late.
Your reply: Vale, sin problema. ¿Instagram? Es más rápido.
Word-by-word: Okay, without problem. Instagram? It-is more quick.
Natural English: Okay, no problem. Instagram? It's faster.
Why: Offers a faster alternative to exchanging numbers.
She Needs to Go
Her: Me tengo que ir.
Word-by-word: Myself I-have that to-go.
Natural English: I have to go.
Your reply: Vale, que vaya bien. ¿Te puedo ver otro día?
Word-by-word: Okay, that it-goes well. To-you can-I to-see other day?
Natural English: Okay, have a good one. Can I see you another day?
Why: Accepts the exit but suggests meeting again.
She's Meeting Someone
Her: Tengo que encontrarme con alguien.
Word-by-word: I-have that to-meet-myself with someone.
Natural English: I have to meet someone.
Your reply: Entiendo. ¿Te puedo dar mi número para otro momento?
Word-by-word: I-understand. To-you can-I to-give my number for other moment?
Natural English: I understand. Can I give you my number for another time?
Why: Acknowledges her commitment and offers a future connection.
She's Catching Transport
Her: Se me va el metro.
Word-by-word: To-me itself goes the metro.
Natural English: My metro is leaving.
Your reply: Vale, corre. ¿Te puedo ver aquí mañana a la misma hora?
Word-by-word: Okay, run. To-you can-I to-see here tomorrow at the same hour?
Natural English: Okay, run. Can I see you here tomorrow at the same time?
Why: Specific and actionable—if she's interested, she'll show up.
She Says "Maybe Later"
Her: Tal vez otro día.
Word-by-word: Perhaps other day.
Natural English: Maybe another day.
Your reply: Vale, perfecto. ¿Cómo te puedo contactar?
Word-by-word: Okay, perfect. How to-you can-I to-contact?
Natural English: Okay, perfect. How can I contact you?
Why: Takes her "maybe" at face value and asks for contact info.
Key Points
- Always respect when she says she's in a hurry—don't try to convince her to stay
- Be brief—get to the point quickly
- Offer fast alternatives—Instagram is quicker than exchanging numbers
- If she's genuinely interested, she'll give you contact info even when in a hurry
- If she doesn't give contact info, accept it gracefully
- If you see her again in the same place, you can try again—but don't be pushy
- Don't follow her or try to continue the conversation as she's leaving
- Leave on a positive note—"Que tengas buen día" (Have a good day)