In partnership with Dove.
Picture this: It’s a Friday night. You’re mostly horizontal. You’re binging Love Island or Love is Blind and enjoying a large bowl of Mac n’ cheese. You’re exhausted from a long week of getting out of bed, responding to emails, and showing up to a few zoom meetings, and you’re so cozy right now. But! You have plans… the disturbing thought alone could make you cry. Days ago, you and friends agreed to “finally get something on the books” and grab a drink or go to a club, and you are not feeling it. Going outside? Being perceived? Draining the social battery? It’s all too much.
In challenging moments like these, we don’t need to rally. No, we just need to be prepared with an excellent excuse to get out of said plans. If you can’t think of a great one right away, ask yourself: What would your favorite TV character say? How would Blair from Gossip Girl, Tanya from The White Lotus, or Alfie from Emily in Paris cancel a plan? You may find that fictional characters are full of gem excuses.
For whenever you’re feeling flaky, here’s how iconic TV show characters would cancel plans. Get inspired!
How Our Fave TV Show Characters Would Cancel Plans
Mabel From Only Murders in the Building
“I know I said yes, but honestly, I prefer hanging out with boomer men, and I’m also kinda busy trying to solve a murder for my podcast. My bad!”
Alfie From Emily In Paris
“Mate, you know I was so down to go, but it turns out, I’m gonna be busy simping for Emily, even though she just chose Gabriel again. Sorry, bro.”
Tanya From The White Lotus
“Hi! I don’t think I’ll make it! I-I can’t talk right now. These gays are trying to murder me!” (*Trips and dies.)
Sydney From The Bear
“Yeahhh, I’m so sorry — it’s not gonna happen tonight. I’m still at the restaurant, and Carmy’s losing his shit again. Yes, again. I promise I’ll make you a potato chip omelette soon, though!”
Jess From Gilmore Girls
“I just can’t. I would love to explain why, but… I don’t feel like doing that right now. Sorry.”
Nini From High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
“Ugh, I really wanted to go, but I can’t, ’cause I’m actually ditching Salt Lake City to move to Los Angeles and become a star.”
Penelope (Lady Whistledown) From Bridgerton
“Dearest read- I mean, friend! I do thank you for the kind invitation and hope you enjoy a lovely promenade, but I’m feeling rather exhausted at the moment. I think I may just… read and gaze out the window instead.”
Wednesday From Wednesday
“While I acknowledge that your proposition was technically a polite and thoughtful gesture, I frankly would much rather spend my evening with Thing and have a productive scheming session. Maybe next time.”
Blair Waldorf From Gossip Girl
“Dorota? DOROTA! Tell her she’s gonna have to get a table for one tonight. I have a far more pressing matter to attend to. And yes, the matter’s name rhymes with stuck and muck, unfortunately.”
