There’s nothing like the relief that makes my whole body, mind, and soul feel lighter when I cancel my plans. The moment I admitted to myself (and my friends) that I didn’t want to go out was the moment I returned to my most authentic self. Jeans off, hair standing on end, I mercifully returned to the couch - where I'd always wanted to be.
If you ask etiquette experts, they'll say a plan is a plan, and it's too bad if you don't follow through. Society frowns on canceling plans, especially if you cancel at the last minute. But I'd say it's almost always a good idea.
When you think about it, it’s weird that we focus on keeping our word instead of being our best selves and actually being a good partner. Even if you say yes to dinner with friends, is it really worth going if you're exhausted, it's pouring rain, or you're hunched over from period cramps? I'd say no. Back then, you were just going through the motions.
In my opinion, no excuse is too small to back out at the last minute, and sometimes it's even the more polite thing to do. Here’s why:
- Almost everyone feels relieved when a cancellation text message appears in a group chat. We all secretly hope that someone else will quit first, so go ahead and become the hero we all want and deserve.
- There's nothing more fun than staying at home. Sure, it might be cooler to go out and take tons of photos at a party, but is that more fun than watching a movie with your dog? No.
- Cancellation saves time and effort. Imagine all the effort it takes for you and your friends to trudge to a location. Quitting means you can give it all up and relax.
- It saves money. No need for girls math.
- Making plans always seems like a good idea in the moment, but when the day comes, it just feels like a hassle. After all, we are all in the age of decay.
- You can reschedule at any time .
- Sometimes you just don’t feel social, and that’s okay. Your true friends will understand.
The only time I can see sticking to it is if you're a bridesmaid at a wedding or it's someone's birthday. If you have major obligations or people are relying on you and only you, then you should probably bite the bullet and stick to the plan. (Or, at least, cancel with little notice.)
Jeans off, hair standing on end, I mercifully returned to the couch - where I'd always wanted to be.
As a major pleaser, it took me a long time to get to the point where I could cancel my plans. If you don't want to go out, I certainly don't want you to go out, so it goes both ways. In fact, I think it's amazing when people admit they'd rather stay home. My friend group loves to cancel each other and we all bond over it.
I also know I'm on to something when my TikTok algorithm sees that I like canceling. It turns out there's a community of introverts online who spell out the benefits of canceling plans so you can stay home. If you find yourself hesitant or indecisive - maybe even crying slightly - as you get ready to go out, I really believe you should do everyone a favor and cancel.
