It’s a situation we’ve all been in: You make plans with a friend, but when the day arrives, you’re just too tired to want to do anything but stay home and binge watch Netflix. You need to cancel, but what’s the best way to do it? Honesty really is the best policy, according to new research.
A new study from Michigan State University suggests that telling the truth is the way to go, if you want to stay in good standing with your friends, that is. While it’s tempting to make up an excuse, or create some long, drawn-out apology, there’s really no need to. “We found that most people didn’t mind if you needed to cancel - they don’t feel particularly bad, and they understand that things come up,” explains lead study author William Chopik.
In general, people just want some advanced notice and a text or a call is fine. While 80% of study participants say canceling plans wouldn’t affect their friendship, most admit there’s one thing that would upset them - being lied to. Canceling on short notice would also be annoying, so don’t wait until the last minute, if you can avoid it. Also, don’t tell them that you have a better offer either, no one wants to hear that. Chopik concludes, “Unless your reason for canceling is particularly loathsome and would hurt your friends’ feelings, honesty and doing so in advance as a courtesy is a smart move.”
Source: Huff Post