Someone I know is a business owner. They told me how the other day they had three interviews scheduled. One person showed up. Then the conversation got interesting. They said when people have called to say they can’t make the interview, they do not reschedule. Because any time they have rescheduled, the person doesn’t show. We discussed how when someone gives a reason why they can’t make an appointment, you have a gut instinct if they are not being truthful. And if it does not feel right, you do not have to give them another chance or any more of your time.

I have been on both sides of this situation. And I have known people who accept invitations to events they don’t want to attend saying they, “don’t want to be rude” but make an excuse at the last minute why they can’t come. But isn’t it rude to waste another person’s time? Or have them set a place for you at dinner or buy you a concert ticket when you know you won’t be going? And isn’t it wrong to lie and say you will go and then come up with another lie about why you aren’t there? And won’t it cause ill feelings if the person found out you were not telling the truth? So next time, consider this. If you are contacted for a job interview and you know you don’t want the job, tell them you changed your mind about the position. If they ask why, tell them it is not for you. And if you are asked to attend an event you know you won’t go to, say no. No is a complete sentence. And if you are not comfortable saying no, you can tell them you can’t make it. It is not lie, and should be enough of an explanation.