Feeling angry or frustrated when people cancel on you last minute is a common reaction, and it can be considered reasonable to some extent. However, the level of anger you experience may vary depending on the circumstances and the frequency of such cancellations.
Here are some factors to consider:
Impact on Plans: If the last-minute cancellation significantly affects your plans and causes inconvenience or disruption, feeling angry is understandable. It can be frustrating when you've made arrangements or commitments based on the prior agreement.
Respect for Time: When someone cancels without a valid reason or a genuine apology, it may feel like they don't respect your time and effort, leading to feelings of anger.
Repetitive Behavior: If the person frequently cancels on you at the last moment without consideration for your schedule, it's natural to feel irritated or angry, as it may signal a lack of reliability on their part.
Disregard for Your Feelings: If you've expressed your displeasure about last-minute cancellations, and the person continues to do it, it can heighten your feelings of anger as it may be interpreted as a lack of consideration for your emotions.
However, while feeling angry is a reasonable initial reaction, it's essential to manage that anger constructively. Here are some suggestions on how to handle such situations:
Communication: Express your feelings calmly and assertively to the person who canceled. Let them know how their last-minute cancellation affected you, and ask them to be more considerate in the future.
Understanding: Try to understand the reasons behind the cancellation. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances or emergencies can arise, making the cancellation necessary. In such cases, expressing your disappointment while understanding their situation can help maintain a positive relationship.
Setting Boundaries: If the person's last-minute cancellations become a recurring issue, consider setting boundaries and evaluating whether this relationship is healthy for you.
Alternative Plans: If your plans were significantly disrupted, try to salvage the situation by making alternate arrangements or finding something else productive to do with your time.
Forgiveness: If the cancellation was due to a genuine emergency or unforeseen circumstance, try to practice forgiveness and empathy. Holding onto anger for such situations might not be beneficial for your well-being.
Ultimately, while it's reasonable to feel angry about last-minute cancellations, it's essential to process and manage that anger in a healthy way. Communicating openly, understanding the situation, and setting boundaries can help you handle these situations more effectively and maintain healthier relationships with others.