diff --git a/clients/urwid/main.py b/clients/urwid/main.py
index be559c5..204f165 100644
--- a/clients/urwid/main.py
+++ b/clients/urwid/main.py
@@ -1404,8 +1404,10 @@ def frilly_exit():
     and shit, or just say bye, depending on the user's bbjrc
     setting, `dramatic_exit`
     """
-    app.loop.stop()
-    if app.prefs["dramatic_exit"]:
+    # sometimes this gets called before the loop is set up properly
+    try: app.loop.stop()
+    except: pass
+    if app.prefs["dramatic_exit"] and app.loop.screen_size:
         width, height = app.loop.screen_size
         for x in range(height - 1):
             motherfucking_rainbows(