If you were looking forward to a date and the guy canceled on you because of work, you’re right to be upset and offended.
There aren’t many excuses that would make you feel better, but ‘work’ is one that makes it sound like he was looking for a way out.
Here is what it usually means when a guy cancels a date because of work and what you should do about it:
What To Reply When a Guy Cancels a Date Because of Work
It’s understandable that work can sometimes get in the way of personal plans.
If a guy cancels a date because of work, a suitable reply could be something like: “No problem, I understand. Sometimes work gets in the way. Let’s reschedule for another time when it’s more convenient for you.”
This response shows that you are understanding, and that you are open to rescheduling the date for a better time.
It’s important to be understanding and not confrontational in this situation, as it’s not the guy’s fault that work is getting in the way.
This is assuming that it’s the first time he’s canceled due to work, if it starts becoming a regular thing then that’s very different.
We need to work to pay the bills, but there needs to be a healthy work-life balance and no one wants to always come second to work.
If this isn’t the first time, you could reply with something like: “It seems like you don’t really have time for a relationship right now, at least not to the same level of commitment as I want.”
This makes it clear that you’re not willing to come second to his work and there is nothing wrong with that.
Related – Here is what you should do when a guy cancels by text message!
Is Work a Good Excuse to Cancel A Date?
Work can certainly be a good reason to cancel a date, even though it doesn’t feel good.
Some people have demanding jobs and are responsible for a number of other people, so it’s not as simple as dropping everything – or saying no when something comes up.
The reason why work has a bad reputation for being a poor excuse is that some people use it as an excuse when it’s not true.
It’s always convenient to blame work for ruining plans, it’s not like ‘work’ has feelings and we all have work commitments.
Another reason why it doesn’t feel good is because a lot of people don’t want to think they come second to work.
But the reality is that just about everyone who works has to put work before everything else for the 35, 40, or however many hours a week they’re contracted to work.
If you’re also contracted to be on call, pick up overtime shifts, or cover for others, it can be easy to have a work commitment conflict with a date.
Is This a Sign that Work Will Always Come Before You?
If a guy cancels on you because he has to work, it’s not a good sign.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s going to keep putting work first.
If and when you do go out, I’d recommend finding out more about his work and how important it is to him.
It’s not unusual for someone to take their careers very seriously and put a lot of energy into it, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have time for a relationship.
But if he’s consistently making excuses related to work or is never available when you need him, then it might be a sign that he’s not ready for a serious relationship.
5 Polite Responses When A Guy Cancels a Date Because of Work
Disappointed or not, if you want to reply in a way that keeps the door open to reschedule the date, you could say something like:
- “No worries, I understand that work can be unpredictable. Let’s reschedule for another time.”
- “No problem, I appreciate your honesty about your work commitments. Let’s plan for another day.”
- “It’s okay, I completely understand. I appreciate your need to step up at work. Let’s try to plan something for another time.”
- “It’s all good, I know how important work can be. Let’s touch base when things are less hectic and figure out a new time to meet.”
- “I understand, and I appreciate that you’re taking care of your work responsibilities. Let’s plan for another day and make it happen then.”
Related – Here is how to respond when a guy cancels because he is sick.
5 Blunt Responses When A Guy Cancels a Date Because of Work!
On the other hand, if you want to make it clear that you’re not going to come second to work, you could say something like:
- “I’m disappointed that we won’t be able to meet as planned, but I understand that work is important. Thanks for letting me know.”
- “I was really looking forward to our date, maybe let me know when you know that you have time and won’t need to cancel.”
- “OK. Let’s keep in touch and plan for another time when things are less hectic for you.”
- “That’s a shame, thanks for being upfront about it but maybe this is a sign that things aren’t meant to be right now.”
- “OK, I’m looking for someone who can be reliable, it sounds like your job is going to get in the way so maybe we should leave it there.”
Image credits – depositphotos.com/stock-photo-handsome-serious-entrepreneur
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.