She Keeps Cancelling on Me…What Should I Do?

The scenario: You're very attracted to a woman you've started dating, only to find that lately she's become completely unreliable. Maybe she's slow in responding to your texts or she rarely picks up the phone when you call. You're trying to set up a second date, but it's nearly impossible to schedule - you get the distinct impression she's giving you the cold shoulder.

Perhaps there was chemistry and connection between you. Maybe you even slept with her. But now you can't get hold of her, and when you do have plans, she cancels at the last minute. She apologizes and reschedules with you, only to cancel again. Is she really busy with work or family, or is something else going on?

You can't read her mind, so I wouldn't try and guess what she's thinking. Many women feel guilty about rejecting a man, so they often choose to disappear or make excuses rather than just admit that they aren't interested. Others might be fickle and aren't ready to commit to any one man in particular. There are many reasons why she isn't calling you back or following through in seeing you again - but you'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure her out. So make it easier on yourself: stop second-guessing your actions and what you should do next and just move on.

Men and women are similar in this way: if they are attracted to someone, they make themselves available. They rearrange their schedules and don't let work get in the way of plans.

If she is giving you a lot of excuses as to why she can't get together, or she isn't responding promptly (or at all) to your texts, chances are she is ambivalent about continuing to date you. Emergencies do happen, but if she seems to have more drama than usual which prevents you two from getting together, this isn't a good sign.

One caveat: if you're dating a single mother, her children's schedules can get crazy and often she has to put her dating life on the back burner in order to take care of them. Have some patience and grace when it comes to dating single Moms. If you can't accept the last-minute cancellations and family emergencies that crop up, then you'd be better off not dating them.

Bottom line: if a woman isn't returning your calls and texts or keeps cancelling your dates, let it go. Relationships shouldn't be one-sided with you making all the effort. If it's difficult to connect with her, it's best to move on.