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This article was reviewed by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
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So you've got plans you want to get out of. Whether you were plotting to cancel seconds after you agreed or had the best intentions to go until, well, you didn't - we've all been there. If you're having trouble figuring out what to say, we've got a list of totally believable excuses that'll keep you out of trouble and let you sit out on your friend's cousin's metal band without repercussions.
Things You Should Know
- Don't over-explain. The more you weave an elaborate excuse, the less believable it's likely to become, not to mention the more challenging it'll be to remember when someone asks you about it in the future.
- Telling the truth can be difficult, but honesty is usually the best policy. Everyone can relate to wanting to cancel plans, so sometimes, no excuse is excuse enough.
- If you're breaking off a get-together with your friends or family, they'll likely understand where you're coming from and forgive you, so try not to worry too much.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-cancel-plans/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/extreme-fear/201005/top-ten-secrets-effective-liars
- ↑ https://www.anchortherapy.org/blog/why-do-we-cancel-plans-when-were-anxious-bergen-county-nj
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/learning-to-say-no
- ↑ https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships/cancel-plans
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/health-conditions/preparing-for-a-medical-appointment
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/02/nine-practices-to-help-you-say
- ↑ https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/cancelling-plans-research
- ↑ https://online.ucpress.edu/collabra/article/9/1/57549/195121/How-to-Cancel-Plans-With-Friends-A-Mixed-Methods
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/extreme-fear/201005/top-ten-secrets-effective-liars
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/contagious-illnesses.html
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/helping-a-friend-youre-worried-about
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/09/15/913207918/how-to-say-no-for-the-people-pleaser-who-always-says-yes
- ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-cancel-plans/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/learning-to-say-no
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Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
