Is it okay to lie to avoid hanging out with opposite gender?

Assalamu'Alaikum, Before I was religious, I was friends with many people of the opposite gender (non-muslim). However I have become more religious (Alhumdullilah) and realise it is not permitted in Islam to be friends with opposite gender The friend group I am part of is full of non-muslims boys/girls and they regularly hangout. I usually make excuses (such as I am busy with other things) and in rare cases lying to avoid hanging out. Is this permisable? I have been friends with them for a very long time (5 - 8 years), I'm hoping that eventually they will stop inviting me Jazakallah Khayrun