Excuses. We all make ‘em, regardless of the fact that most of us suck at ‘em. So, you made plans that you want out of? Try saying texting one of these:
1. I’m sick.
Different than telling your boss that you’re sick, friends and family will hear it and not think twice. If they do think twice, it’s not because they think you’re lying, it’s because they care about you and your health. That said, don’t abuse this excuse.
2. I’m tired.
Hardly an excuse, often times this is an honest answer. Plans on Friday nights after a long week of work are the worst. I rarely make them, and you shouldn’t either if you know you’re going to be too tired to party and expect to cancel.
3. I’m sick and tired of…
If you’re really trying to get out of plans, and maybe even out of the friendship altogether, tell ‘em you’re sick and tired of their pushiness – you’ll show up if and when you want to show up, and tell ‘em they’re annoying – quit calling! Note: Only use this if you don’t plan on showing up…ever. Ignoring calls and texts has the same effect.
4. I have a birthday party to go to.
This is the best excuse. (Editor’s note: Surprise at the end if you continue reading beyond the best excuse!) Birthdays only come once per year (obvious statement), so if you “just got invited” or “forgot and just remembered,” you’re off the hook from any earlier-made plans.
5. Late night at the office.
Like Number Two, a late night in the office doesn’t have to be considered a made-up excuse, it can be an honest excuse! If it is honest, (again like Number Two) avoid making plans if you know you’re going to have a late night / stressful day at work. In the event that you didn’t know in advance and the plans are already made, your friends should understand. We’ve all been there.
6. I have to pick someone up from the airport.
And like Number Four, picking someone up from the airport isn’t an easy thing to get out of. Using this excuse, the cancelee might think you just found out (and are a great guy for going out of your way!) or that you just remembered (not necessarily a great guy, but they shouldn’t be mad).
7. My grandma needs help with something and tonight’s the only night that works.
Admittedly, I’ve used this excuse. It won’t work for everyone… I hear your friends now, “Grandma? When have you ever spent time with your grandma?” But if you are a family-oriented guy, it just might work. It’s better than saying “my grandma died,” but it has the same effect – people won’t question your need to be with an elder. And when I’ve used this excuse in the past, I actually did head over to grandmother’s house, not because I had to, but because it seemed like the right thing to do.
8. I’m stuck baby / pet sitting.
Being stuck baby / pet sitting is great because your friends will feel empathy. They’ll quickly get past the fact that you’re bailing on them and move to, “THAT sucks!” Baling out on plans this way is easy since this is not a legal matter that you will have to seek the source for bail bonds in Hartford CT. You can just make up a decent excuse and save yourself from stepping out.
9. I’m running late.
Set the scene by texting your friends that you’re running late. Thirty minutes later text them again saying that you still haven’t left the house. An hour later text them that at this point it’s so late, you’re not gonna make it. BOOM.
10. My partner in crime is sick.
Don’t commit your partner in crime to being sick if he / she is actually not sick and plans on being not sick all over the Internet; but, if you and your partner in crime will be bailing together, it’s safe to use him / her as an excuse!
BONUS: Last minute change of plans, I’m going out of town. My phone died. Something came up. I thought you meant NEXT weekend, I can’t tonight.
Oh, and here’s the surprise I promised, you deserve it. An oldie, but a goodie… Play this. Then, click this.