Cancelling a date last minute is no fun, especially when you’ve spent time getting ready and looking your best. But it’s better to let your date know than to surprise them and leave them disappointed.
We spoke with experts on how to cancel a date politely, so you can feel good about yourself and leave your date with a positive impression.
Send a Text
We’ve all been there – car engines die, work piles up, grandmothers fall off their hips, and life just throws you curveballs that sometimes require last-minute cancelation. While it can be disappointing when a date cancels, it is important not to take it personally.
If you’re the one doing the canceling, it’s always a good idea to call or text your date to let them know you aren’t going through with the evening. This shows you care about them, are being transparent and honest with them and that you’re trying to respect their time.
A text message is also a convenient way to give your date a heads-up that you’re likely to have to reschedule. This allows them to plan accordingly and not build any expectations based on you being there.
If you’re the one doing the canceling, remember that you shouldn’t tell outrageous lies like that you saved a family from a burning building or were involved in an eight-car pile-up on the freeway (although that would be a pretty fun excuse!). Be as genuine and truthful as possible in your explanation and if you do want to see them again, be sure to say so. This will make them feel wanted and not like they were just blown off. And if you really don’t want to see them again, let them know that as well.
Call
When you’re trying to cancel a date last minute, it might feel tempting to just shoot them a text. After all, it’s quick and easy to do. However, a phone call might be more appropriate for this kind of situation. It can help your date understand why you’re canceling, and it can also show them that you care about them.
When it comes to calling to cancel a date, you should be polite and respectful. You shouldn’t make it sound like a big deal or act angry. Even if you’re mad, it’s important to keep calm and explain why you’re canceling the date.
In your cancellation text, you should say something along the lines of, “I’m sorry I have to reschedule our plans. I wanted to spend time with my family this weekend.” Your apology should be sincere and honest. It’s also a good idea to say that you hope to see them again in the future.
When it comes to dating, there are a lot of factors that can lead to date cancellations. Some of these factors are unavoidable, such as weather conditions. However, other reasons are more personal, such as the person not feeling well or having other obligations at work. No matter what the reason, it’s always best to cancel a date with as much advance notice as possible.
Send a Message on Social Media
If you have a date set and something comes up that prevents you from going, it can be disappointing. However, it’s important to remember that it is not your fault if they cancel or reschedule on you. Whether they have to work late, there’s an emergency at home, or they’re behind on their classes and need to study, it’s not your fault and it’s perfectly normal for them to have last-minute issues that come up.
If your date is a repeat canceler and this is becoming a pattern, you may want to rethink dating them in the future. After all, someone that can’t honor their commitments is not likely to be a good partner or a dependable person in the long run. If you decide to continue dating this person, make sure you’re clear about your expectations and that they know ahead of time if a cancellation is coming up.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to canceling a date is the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like them to treat you. That means being gracious, being clear about your intentions, and wishing them well. This is a great way to avoid hurting someone’s feelings and keeping the door open for future dates.
Send an Email
Sometimes things change and you find yourself unable to go on a date you’ve set up. It could be a work emergency, an unexpected family issue or simply not feeling it anymore. It’s not ideal, but it happens. You can still be respectful and cancel the date without hurting anyone’s feelings.
It’s a good idea to get in touch with your date as soon as you know you will need to cancel. Unless you have an emergency, it’s best not to wait until the day of, as this will put your date in a stressful position. They will have spent time getting ready and may have even splashed out on a special outfit or hairdo.
It’s also a good idea to be honest and let them know why you’re cancelling. Any wishy-washy excuses or falsehoods can end up backfiring on you and make the situation much worse. You should also consider whether you want to reschedule the date or not. If you do, it’s important to be respectful and give them a time that suits you both.
