How to Make Up to Your Best Friend for Ditching Plans

Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we may have to cancel plans with a close friend. Whether it’s due to a sudden change in circumstances or simply forgetting, ditching plans you had with someone can cause them to feel hurt or disappointed. If you ever find yourself in such a situation and want to make it up to your friend, we have some practical steps you can take that can go a long way in rebuilding trust and strengthening your bond.

Apologize

Apologizing to a friend can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s an important step in maintaining a healthy and honest relationship. Here are some tips for apologizing to your friend:

  • Acknowledge your mistake: First, accept that you did wrong and take responsibility for your actions. This shows that you are aware of the harm you caused and are willing to make things right.
  • Explain why you did what you did: If you have a valid reason for ditching the plans, it might help to explain it to your friend. However, be sure to emphasize that it doesn’t excuse your behavior and that you still want to make things right.
  • Apologize sincerely: Let your apology be from your heart; don’t just go through the motions. You may even send flowers using next-day flower delivery service to show your friend that you are truly sorry and that you understand the impact of your actions. Another effective strategy for apologizing is to use genuine statements like “I know my backing out of our plan hurt you big time, I’m so sorry” instead of rude ones, like “I’m sorry if I hurt you”.

Do It With a Letter

A heartfelt letter can sometimes be more meaningful than a verbal apology because it allows you to express your thoughts and feelings in a more thoughtful and detailed way. Writing a letter gives you the opportunity to choose the words to use carefully. A letter can also be a more permanent record of your apology, in case your friend wants to refer to it in the future.

However, it’s important to note that a letter may not be the most effective way to apologize in every situation. In some cases, a verbal apology may be more appropriate, especially if your friend is upset and needs immediate reassurance. If possible, consider the specific circumstances and your friend’s preferences when deciding whether to apologize in writing or in person. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be sincere and show your friend that you value and care about your relationship.

Make Things Right

Your best friend is likely to accept your apologies if this is your first time reneging on plans you two had. No matter the situation, try to make amends with your friend. Remember that the relationship between you and your best friend is one you hold dear and you should, therefore, show your commitment to fixing issues that threaten the friendship.

If possible, reschedule the plans as soon as possible. And, offer something specific: instead of just saying “let’s hang out sometime,” suggest a specific time and activity that you can do together. This shows that you are making an effort to make it up to your friend.

If your friend has other plans or other commitments, be willing to work around their schedule to find a time that works for both of you. Lastly, make sure to follow through on the plans you make. Canceling again would likely only cause more frustration and disappointment.

Plan a Special Outing

A special outing is a great alternative to the plans you backed out of, and it’s also a nice way to say sorry to your friend for disappointing them. In short, it’s another way to say, “Hey, look, we’ve been doing so many plans, and this outing is another one”. Consider a movie or coffee date, or just spend time together, anywhere.

As we’ve mentioned, sincerity is key here. Making it up to someone after ditching plans isn’t just about special outings. It’s also about making a genuine commitment to repair the relationship and showing your friend that you value their feelings and time.

Help Out With Something

Offering to help out with something is an excellent way to make it up to your best friend after ditching plans. This shows that you are putting in the effort to make things right and that you value their needs. Depending on the situation, you might offer to help out with something specific that your friend has been struggling with, such as running errands, completing a task, or providing emotional support.

Keep in mind that offering to help out should be done in addition to other gestures, such as apologizing and suggesting that you reschedule the plans you ditched.

Communicate

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of any relationship, and it’s especially important when it comes to rebuilding trust and repairing a damaged friendship. By keeping the lines of communication open with your friend, you can show that you are there for them and that you commit to re-energize the relationship. This might involve regularly checking in with them to see how they are doing, or simply being available to talk and listen whenever they need it.

By demonstrating your willingness to listen and be there for your friend, you can help strengthen the bond between you guys. And, don’t forget that rebuilding a relationship takes time and effort, but by being open and honest with your friend, you can lay the foundation for a stronger and more meaningful friendship.

Conclusion

The takeaway is that it’s important to recognize that our actions can have a significant impact on our relationships. If you have made a mistake and ditched a plan, it’s essential to take steps to make it up to your best friend and repair the relationship.

This might involve apologizing, sending apology gifts, being honest about why you had to cancel, following through on your commitments, and maintaining open and effective communication. By following the above steps, you can show your friend that you are truly sorry for your actions and that you are ready to rebuild the relationship.