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Scripts: Changing Plans
Four ready messages for moving, shortening or cancelling plans kindly — one apology or none, one statement, one alternative.
A keep-close version. Read it here, or screenshot this page to have it on your phone — print and PDF copies will appear once final files are attached.
Long apologies teach people that cancellations are crises requiring management. One clear message keeps the friendship and the capacity both.
Build the message
Moving plans
- “I need to move our plans — my body isn't going to manage tomorrow. Can we pick another day?”
- “Can we shift coffee to next week? This week's gone sideways on me.”
Shortening
- “I have to shorten today — I'll need to stop after an hour rather than stay for lunch.”
- “I still want to come — I just can't stay for the whole thing.”
Cancelling
- “I can't make it after all — I'm sorry, and I'd love to be first on the list for the next one.”
- “I have to cancel today. Nothing wrong between us — my body's called the day early.”
The closing line
- “No reply needed — I'll be in touch when things ease.”
- “I'll confirm the new day properly when I can.”
What makes it work
- One apology — or none. Not three.
- One clear statement, not a case for the defence
- One alternative, if there is one
- Sent as a message, not delivered as a crisis
The friendship is not at risk in a one-message cancellation — it's the hour-long apologetic phone call it can't survive.