If you have someone in your life who constantly lets you down, you know just how frustrating it can be.
They make plans they don’t keep, commit to helping you out but don’t follow through, and generally disappoint you at every turn. You know you can’t rely on them, but instead of owning up to the fact that they’re falling short, they tend to blurt out the same excuses time and time again. Here are some you’re probably familiar with hearing.
1. “I’m just so busy right now.”
This is a classic excuse for anyone who overcommits. While life gets busy, people who genuinely care will still make time, even if it’s just a quick check-in. Constantly claiming they’re “too busy” often means they aren’t prioritising your plans. Genuine friends make room, no matter how packed their schedule is.
2. “I forgot we had plans.”
Forgetting once in a while is understandable, but if this excuse comes up frequently, it could be a sign they’re just not making the effort. People remember the things they truly value. When someone consistently “forgets,” it may mean they aren’t putting you or the plans high on their priority list.
3. “Something came up last minute.”
Source: Unsplash Life throws curveballs, but if someone always has a last-minute emergency, it’s worth wondering if it’s a pattern rather than a genuine issue. Last-minute excuses can be a way to dodge commitments without directly saying “no.” People who value you will only cancel in true emergencies.
4. “I was feeling sick.”
We all have off days, but repeated “sick days” when plans come up can feel like an easy out. If they’re constantly “under the weather” right before a meetup, it’s likely they’re avoiding it. True friends will reschedule and make it up to you when they feel better.
5. “I lost track of time.”
Source: Unsplash This excuse often reflects a lack of preparation or attention rather than a simple mistake. Losing track of time repeatedly shows that they’re not thinking ahead. People who respect you make an effort to be punctual and prepared.
6. “I didn’t know it was that important.”
Source: Unsplash Dismissing the importance of a plan after cancelling shows a lack of awareness—or interest—in what matters to you. When someone downplays plans this way, it usually means they don’t see the value in what you had planned. People who care respect the importance of your time together.
7. “I just needed some time for myself.”
Source: Unsplash Self-care is important, but if this comes up too often, it could be a way to avoid following through. Everyone needs downtime, but constantly using this as a reason suggests they’re prioritising themselves over commitments. Reliable people find a balance between self-care and respecting their commitments.
8. “I thought we could just reschedule.”
Source: Unsplash Suggesting a reschedule without asking first can be a casual way of dismissing the original plan. It can feel like they didn’t take the time seriously in the first place. Rescheduling should be a mutual decision, not just an assumption. Respect means sticking to the agreed plans or making rescheduling a joint choice.
9. “I had a family emergency.”
Source: Unsplash Family emergencies do happen, but if they’re coming up every other week, it could be an easy go-to excuse. True emergencies are rare; consistent ones might be a way to avoid accountability. Close friends communicate honestly and only use serious excuses when they’re real.
10. “I thought you wouldn’t mind.”
This excuse puts the blame on you, implying that your time or feelings don’t matter. When someone assumes you won’t mind their absence, it can feel dismissive. People who respect you know that cancelled plans can disappoint and don’t assume it’s okay without checking in.
11. “I didn’t have a ride.”
If someone regularly cancels because of transportation issues, it may mean they’re not putting in the effort to find alternatives. Finding solutions, like public transport or carpooling, shows they care about showing up. Persistent “ride issues” often signal a lack of commitment.
12. “I had too much going on this week.”
While everyone has busy weeks, reliable people plan around them or let you know ahead of time. Using this as an excuse regularly can signal poor planning or an unwillingness to prioritise. People who value your time respect it even during their busiest days.
13. “I’m so bad with time management.”
Admitting time management struggles is one thing, but consistently using it as an excuse for letting other people down can feel careless. If someone values your time, they’ll work on improving their habits. Real friends don’t repeatedly blame personal habits for cancelling plans.
14. “I wasn’t feeling up to it.”
Source: Unsplash Everyone has low-energy days, but if this becomes a regular reason, it can mean they’re simply not making an effort. True friends communicate honestly and don’t use vague excuses as a way out. Respecting your time means showing up even on low-energy days when possible.
15. “Traffic was terrible.”
Blaming traffic repeatedly can suggest they didn’t plan well. Reliable people account for potential delays and don’t rely on this as a default excuse. Being aware of traffic is part of showing respect for other people’s time.
16. “I’m just really forgetful.”
Everyone forgets things now and then, but constant forgetfulness shows they’re not prioritising the plans. Forgetfulness shouldn’t be a routine excuse; respecting plans means making an effort to remember. Genuine friends find ways to work around personal tendencies to stay reliable.
