How to Cancel a Date Properly Before the Date Starts
Giving a Valid Reason
The first and most crucial step to canceling a date is to provide a valid reason for why you can’t make it. While some people might be tempted to invent an excuse or tell a little white lie to avoid having to go on the date, honesty is always the best policy.
If you can’t make it due to unforeseen circumstances, such as sickness, a family emergency, or last-minute changes in your work schedule, be sure to explain what’s going on in a clear and concise manner.
Proper Notification
Once you’ve decided that you need to cancel your date, it’s essential to notify the other person as soon as possible. Ideally, you should give the other person several hours’ notice, or even a day’s notice if you can.
Sending a text message or making a phone call is typically the best way to let your date know you can’t make it. Be sure to be polite and apologize for any inconvenience that you might be causing.
Scheduling Another Date
If you’re genuinely interested in the person you’re canceling on, it’s important to let them know that you would like to reschedule for a later time. This could mean asking if they’re free next week or suggesting a specific date and time that would work for you.
By showing that you’re still interested in getting together, even if you can’t make the initial date, you’re sending a clear message that you value their time and want to see them again.
Foolproof Get-out-of-the-Date Excuses
Auto Failure
If you need to get out of a date quickly and don’t want to give a specific reason, citing mechanical breakdown or car trouble is always a safe bet. Most people will understand that cars can be fickle creatures and won’t question it too much.
It’s Too Soon
If you’re not quite ready to jump back into the dating world, let your date know that you’re just coming out of a relationship and need some time to yourself. By being honest about where you’re at emotionally, you’re showing that you’re mature enough to know what you need and aren’t afraid to speak up.
It’s Raining
Rain can be an excellent excuse for getting out of a date if you’re not feeling up to it. Whether you’re worried about your hair getting wet or you just don’t want to venture out into the wet weather, most people will understand that rain can be a valid reason for canceling.
I’m Busy at Work
If your workload is piling up and you don’t have much free time, using work commitments as an excuse for canceling can be an effective way to get out of a date. Whether you’re swamped with deadlines or working on a big project, most people will respect the fact that you’re committed to your career.
I’ve Been Arrested
While it might seem extreme, citing legal troubles or an unexpected arrest can be an effective way to get out of a date if you need to. Just be sure to make it clear that you’re not in any danger and that everything is under control.
Double Booked
If you find yourself with conflicting events on the same night, letting your date know that you’re double booked can be a good way to excuse yourself from your previous commitment. Just be sure to apologize for any inconvenience that you might be causing.
Where’s Grandma?
If you need a more creative excuse for canceling a date, a family member who needs assistance can be a great go-to.
Whether you need to take care of your grandmother or your little sister needs a chaperone, using family obligations as an excuse is both believable and respectable.
Too Drunk to Drive
If you’ve had a few too many drinks and don’t feel like it’s safe to drive, letting your date know that you’re too intoxicated to leave the house is always an option. Just be sure to stay safe and never get behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking.
I’ve Got a Yeast Infection
While it might seem like an overshare, citing a health issue such as a yeast infection can be an effective way to get out of a date if you’re not feeling up to it. Just be sure to use your best judgment and only share what you’re comfortable with.
Family Emergency
If something unexpected comes up with your family, using a family emergency as an excuse is a valid reason for canceling a date. Whether your sister needs help moving or your parents are visiting from out of town, most people will understand that family comes first.
Happy Holidays
If you’re celebrating a religious or cultural holiday and don’t want to go on a date, letting your date know that you have other obligations can be a good way to excuse yourself from the date. Just be sure to wish them a happy holiday and apologize for any inconvenience.
Sickness
If you’re feeling under the weather and don’t want to risk getting your date sick, citing a minor illness can be an effective excuse. Whether you have a headache or a mild cough, most people will understand that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
I’m Broke
If you’re low on funds and don’t want to spend money on a date, letting your date know that you’re broke can be a good way to get out of it. Just be sure to offer to reschedule for a later time when you have more money.
My Phone was Lost/Stolen
If you need a more creative excuse for getting out of a date, blaming your phone can be an effective strategy. Whether your phone has been stolen or you’ve simply misplaced it, most people will understand that technology can be unpredictable.
Hi Darling, I’m Home
If you’re in a committed relationship or married and don’t want to go on a date, letting your date know that you’re already taken is the most honest way of canceling. Just be sure to make it clear that you’re not interested in pursuing anything further.
The Weird Ex
If you’re in an uncomfortable situation with an ex-partner or stalker, citing their behavior as the reason for canceling can be a good way to get out of a date. Just be sure to stay safe and never put yourself in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.
I’m Gay
If you’re not interested in dating someone of the opposite sex, letting your date know that you’re gay (or bisexual) is the most honest way of canceling. Just be sure to make it clear that you’re not interested in pursuing anything further.
I’m Not Really Into You
If you’re not feeling a connection with your date, being honest about your lack of interest is the most respectful option. Just be sure to be polite and apologize for any inconvenience that you might be causing.
I Forgot That Thing I Need to Do
If you need a last-minute excuse for getting out of a date, forgetting an obligation or responsibility can be an effective strategy. Whether you need to take care of your dog or you left something important at work, most people will understand that things can slip through the cracks.
Conclusion
Canceling a date can be tough, but with a little bit of preparation and some careful consideration, it’s possible to do it in a way that’s respectful and polite. Whether you’re providing a valid reason or using a foolproof excuse, being honest and upfront about your intentions is always the best policy.
So the next time you need to cancel a date, remember to consider your options carefully and always put the other person’s feelings and needs first. In conclusion, canceling a date can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.
By providing a valid reason for canceling, notifying the other person as soon as possible, and being open to rescheduling, you can show that you value their time and respect their feelings. Additionally, if you need a foolproof excuse for getting out of a date, there are plenty of options that are both believable and respectable.
Whether you’re canceling a date due to a family emergency or citing a minor illness, being honest and upfront is always the best policy. By following these tips and tricks, you can cancel a date with confidence and respect, leaving both parties feeling good about their interactions.
