When you forgot the date but don’t want to admit it: the academic review

We all get forgetful from time to time, but forgetting a date is a signal to the other person that you don’t value their time. Here’s a list of possible excuses for forgetting a date, rated based on plausibility and pathos.

I recommend you use the list as a way to weigh excuses if they come up. If you use it to get ideas, I hope I never agree to go on a date with you.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

  1. “I got a flat tire.”

Rating: You would have sent this the minute the date was about to start, so it doesn’t work after the fact. 3/10.

  1. “I lost my phone/keys/purse/wallet.”

Rating: If you lost your phone, you can still show up. If you lost your keys, you can text them. If you lost your purse, you can text them. If you lost your wallet, you can text them. Not excuses for forgetting. 2/10.

  1. “My [insert relative] is in the hospital.”

Rating: If it’s true, good excuse. 8/10. If it’s a lie, you suck. 0/10.

  1. “My dog died.”

Rating: See above.

  1. “I had to work late.”

Rating: You’re in the beginning of an early 2000’s rom com and this relationship is going to fail so you can be with Tom Hanks instead. For this relationship specifically, 4/10.

  1. “My alarm didn’t go off.”

Rating: Depends on what time the date is scheduled for and the likelihood that you would be sleeping at the time. Conditionally, 5/10.

  1. “I got the date wrong.”

Rating: Only has a shot at working if it’s not on a holiday, and only has a shot at working once. Cannot be a repeat excuse. 5/10.

  1. “My dog ate my homework.”

Rating: Wrong article. 6/10.

  1. “I think we should see other people.”

Rating: Appalling. -7/10.

  1. “I just forgot, I’m sorry.”

RATING: Honesty is good, but pair it with change or it doesn’t mean anything. 6/10.

Graphic by Neako Hallisey.