Want to flake out of plans without annoying people? Here's how to cancel like a pro, and the best excuses to give, according to experts.

How to cancel plans or flake out - and best excuses to give

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Do be considerate about <i>when </i>you flake 

Don’t pretend to be ill (or pretend that someone in your family is)  

Do remember the party will go on without you (and that’s a good thing) 

Including the three-step formula for sending *perfect* cancellation messages.