why would a gentleman make a date with a lady, then try to get out of it?

but the excuse that gets me out of other engagements is "gotta work late".
the worst excuse, for a date with a woman, would be..."your too fat and ugly, i'm going riding!"

 

Aha. That is the key word - Gentleman!!

 

Well it was the truth so I can't say it was an excuse... but

"I was too drunk to remember making the date"