Miss Manners: My friends keep canceling our plans at the last minute

A reader is dealing with a frustrating pattern where friends consistently cancel plans last minute, often to hang out with someone else, causing tension and disappointment. This situation highlights the challenges in maintaining friendships when reliability is lacking. The issue underscores the importance of mutual respect and communication in social circles, suggesting that such behavior can erode trust and make future interactions more difficult. Addressing these dynamics thoughtfully could lead to healthier, more dependable friendships.