Featured Image Credit: Unknown
Topics: Canceled Plans Issue, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, TV
Ilana Frost
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!
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“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!”
“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.”
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“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.)
“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!”
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“I just can’t. I would love to explain why, but… I don’t feel like doing that right now. Sorry.”
“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.”
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“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.”
“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.”
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“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.”