greenshade,

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.

I shy away from people who are unreliable because my time is valuable (part of that self-love thing).

I also am obligated to clearly communicate with those I make plans with.

I emphasize that I expect them to meet their commitment in meeting with me with the set time and designated place and if they cannot then they need to let me know at least 24 hrs in advance.  Professionals require that else they charge you for a missed appointment.  I deserve the same respect.

If they cancel then I let them know of my disappointment and the inconvenience to me since I reserved that time to meet to the detriment of other things that I could have done or other people I could have met.

Everyone has excuses (going through a rough time or illness or whatever).  If they really don’t expect to make it then tell them you won’t be making any plans with them until they get their lives in order.

Mark