But sometimes, you just cant make it.

Maybe youre sick, dealing with a family emergency, or misjudged the mountain of work you oughta finish.

You dont want to ditch, but you might really not have a choice.

Teenager lying on the couch under a blanket looking at her phone

Rebecca Smith / Getty Images

There are so many reasons why you might have to cancel.

So, how do you cancel your plans without feeling like a total flake?

We asked the etiquette experts to weigh in.

Sometimes, You Have to Cancel

Canceling plans isnt always about beinglazyor unreliablesometimes, its just unavoidable.

Life throws you a curveball, and you dont have a choice.

Not every reason justifies a last-minute cancellation, and the way you handle it can affect your relationships.

We asked the etiquette experts how to bow out gracefully.

Canceling with Colleagues or a Boss

Work-related cancellations require tact and professionalism.

You may need to cancel plans sometimes.

Dont beat yourself up, just be a good human about it.

2020 Oct;84:123-135. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.08.003