8 good excuses to cancel plans (without looking flaky)

We’ve all made plans we later regretted. At the time, saying yes could have seemed like a great idea. But now now you’d love to rather stay in bed, wear your comfiest pajamas, and binge-watch a show you don’t even like that much. But how do you get out of it without looking like a terrible friend?

Well, there are two types of people in this world: those who just ghost and pretend the plans never existed (bold move) and those who feel the crushing weight of guilt and desperately search for an excuse. If you’re in the latter group, don’t worry—I got you. Here are some excuses you can try to cancel plans in advance.

1. Make the reason very specific

Vague excuses are the worst. No one likes the “Something came up” line because it sounds like you’re hiding something. A more specific excuse? Far more believable and a little bit harder to argue with. Just make sure it’s random enough to sound real but not so weird that it makes people ask 20 follow-up questions.

Example:

"Hey, I know we were supposed to hang out tonight, but I’ve just remembered I need to help my cousin move some furniture. They’re in a bit of a panic."

It’s specific, urgent, and no one will want to challenge you on it. Plus, it’s a great way to get out of plans without looking like you just can’t be bothered.

2. Blame a family member visiting from far

Sometimes, you just can’t say no to family, especially when they’ve traveled far and wide to meet you. That’s your golden ticket to get out of any plan without looking like the bad guy. After all, family comes first, right?

Example:

"I’m really sorry, but my aunt and uncle just arrived from overseas and I haven’t seen them in ages. I gotta spend some time with them tonight. Let’s do it another time!"

People get it. Family first is basically the universal pass. It’s hard to argue with family obligations, and your friends will likely understand.

3. Say you’re not in the best health

You don’t have to fake a serious illness—just say you’re feeling a little off. No one ever pushes you to hang out when you say you’re not feeling your best. And if you’re really not feeling it, your body is telling you to rest anyway.

Example:

"I’m sorry to cancel, but I’ve been feeling a little under the weather today, and I don’t want to risk making anyone sick. Let’s plan something when I’m back to 100%!"

You get to bow out gracefully without sounding like you’re making it up, and it’s a good excuse to stay in and recharge.

4. Offer a reschedule (even if you don’t mean it)

This is a good one because it softens the blow of canceling. By suggesting an alternative plan, you’re showing that you care about hanging out, just not right now. It’s like saying, “I promise I’ll make it up to you” without having to actually follow through (unless you want to, of course).

Example:

"I hate to cancel, but I’ve got a ton of stuff to get done tonight. How about we grab coffee next weekend instead?"

This shows you’re not brushing them off, just that the timing doesn’t work for you. And honestly, who doesn’t love getting a coffee invite as a follow-up?

5. Blame a work deadline or early morning meeting

This one’s tried and true: the work excuse. People understand work deadlines. It’s not fun to work all night, but it’s definitely something you can use to get out of plans. Bonus points if you don’t even need to be working late, just say that you’re tied up with something for work. People will back off.

Example:

"I was really looking forward to tonight, but I just got this work project I have to finish by tomorrow. Can we do something next week instead?"

Work can be a great free card, especially when it sounds like it’s urgent.

6. Mention a last-minute change in plans (even if it's made up)

Sometimes you just need to come up with a reason that’s believable but doesn’t sound like you’re trying too hard. You can mention something urgent that’s popped up, and even if it’s a small thing, it’ll work.

Example:

"Hey, I have a plumbing issue at home that I need to take care of before it gets worse. It's something I really can't put off. Can we raincheck on tonight’s plans?"

This is a simple, no-frills excuse that makes it seem like you’re still in the loop but just had to rearrange things. Easy peasy!

7. Blame your pet (pet parents this is for you)

Here’s one that works wonders for all the pet parents out there. Sometimes, your furry friend just needs attention, whether it’s a late-night bathroom break, an unexpected emergency, or simply needing some extra TLC. Pets are a great reason to cancel plans, and most people will totally understand.

Example:

"I’m so sorry to cancel, but my dog is acting a bit off today, and I need to stay home to keep an eye on him. Can we do it another time?"

Whether it’s a pet’s bad tummy or just a random moment of drama, your furry friend can be the best (and most acceptable) excuse to back out of plans.

8. Say you just don’t feel like going

Being honest isn’t always as easy as it sounds, but sometimes, there’s no better excuse than just saying you’re too tired to socialize. Most people can totally relate to that, and it’s not something they’ll hold against you.

Example:

"Hey, I was really looking forward to seeing you guys, but I’m honestly wiped out today. I just don’t think I’ve got the energy to party tonight. Raincheck?"

You’re basically telling them that you love them—but your bed and a nap are calling your name louder. This is especially great for those “let’s party!” plans that can feel a little too overwhelming sometimes.

I hope any of these tips help you cancel plans without guilt. At the end of the day, sometimes you just need a break. Whether it’s because you’re tired, busy, or just not feeling it, you don’t always need to explain yourself when you cancel plans. But if you want to exit with grace, these excuses are your ticket out. Out of all these, the last excuse is my favorite, because as an adult, you honestly should be be to say out the truth without having to be a people pleaser.

Just remember that no one’s perfect, and everyone has had to cancel plans at one point or another. So don’t stress it. Just take a deep breath, send a quick text, and enjoy your well-deserved chill time.