The Worst Excuses for Not Showing Up: When Lies Take Turns for the WORST

Have you ever received an excuse so poorly explained that it felt like a lie? Many of us have experienced the sting of disappointment when someone doesn’t show up, and the excuse they provide makes us question their honesty. In this article, we explore some of the most cringe-worthy justifications for not showing up and examine the patterns that can lead to such disappointing moments.

Case Study 1: The Excuse of Cable and Internet Outages

One of the more tech-savvy and prepared excuses comes from a close friend who failed to deliver my food.

I was in need of food on a weekend when I had cash but no vehicle. However, 9 hours and 30 minutes after I made the request, I received a text message that suggested the cable/internet had been out all day. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration and disbelief. Was this a lie, or was it just an exceptionally late and petty excuse?

Regardless of whether it was a lie or not, the response was definitely a lame one. It went beyond a simple “I can’t come” to a level where it felt like a strategic attempt to avoid responsibility.

Case Study 2: The Excuse of Attending Therapy

Another notable example is a story shared by a woman who had a disagreement with her boyfriend over attending a concert.

Her boyfriend claimed he was attending therapy at 10 PM, which is a reasonable excuse for some. However, the timing was crucial, as it was around the time she was eagerly anticipating the concert. The excuse hit her harder because it was at an unusually late hour, and she found it difficult to reconcile his commitment to therapy with the importance of the concert.

Memories of that 10 PM reminder still linger, reminding her of the awkwardness of the situation. While it might have been a genuine commitment, the timing certainly made it seem more like an excuse to avoid the concert she had been eagerly looking forward to.

The Psychology Behind Terrible Excuses

Why do people make such terrible excuses for not showing up? Often, these excuses stem from a lack of responsibility, poor communication, and sometimes even manipulation. Socially, people can feel pressure to make any excuse seem valid, leading to increasingly absurd justifications.

From a more psychological perspective, such excuses can be viewed as a form of self-preservation. When an individual is in a relationship or a social situation where they feel the need to avoid confrontation, they might fabricate stories to avoid accountability. This can be particularly evident in relationships, where partners might use such excuses to avoid addressing underlying issues or to keep the peace in a relationship.

The Verdict: Lies or Just Exaggerated Excuses?

Was the excuse of cable/internet outages a lie or just an exaggerated excuse? What about the excuse of attending therapy at 10 PM? Are these lies, or are they simply poor justifications?

While it is easy to point a finger at such excuses and label them as lies, it is crucial to consider the context. In the first case, the excuse may have been a matter of preferring to avoid responsibility. In the second, the timing of the excuse made it seem more like an attempt to avoid a significant social event.

Ultimately, whether these excuses are lies or exaggerated justifications, they come across as insincere and disappointing, reflecting poorly on the individuals’ ability to communicate effectively and take responsibility for their actions.

Conclusion

The excuses we make for not showing up reveal much about our character and communication skills. Whether it's a poor joke about technology or a last-minute change of heart, these excuses often stem from a lack of responsibility and a desire to manage social situations in a way that can be easily excused.

By examining these terrible excuses, we can learn to communicate more effectively and take responsibility for our actions. In doing so, we can foster healthier relationships and avoid the disappointment that comes with poorly justified absences.