When you’re not in the mood for a video call – here are some lighthearted and relatable excuses to use next time you need to decline a video call:
1. The ‘Social Anxiety’ Deflector
Say: “I’m actually really shy when it comes to video calls, and I’d feel more comfortable just talking on the phone.”
2. The ‘Technical Difficulties’ Dodge
Say: “My camera isn’t working right now, so I’m afraid we can’t Facetime.”
3. The ‘Privacy Concerns’ Shield
Say: “I value my privacy, and I’m not comfortable having my image recorded during a video call.”
4. The ‘Time Management’ Deflection
Say: “I’m trying to be more productive with my time, and video calls can often be a distraction.”
5. The ‘Work-Life Balance’ Redirect
Say: “I want to make sure I’m maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and video calls can sometimes blur those lines.” Maybe a stretch, but worth the thought.
6. The ‘Internet Issues’ Diversion
Say: “I’m having some connectivity issues right now, and video calling is just not working out well.”
7. The ‘Social Anxiety’ Disclaimer
Say: “I’m a little anxious about being on camera, and I prefer to chat without the video aspect.”
8. The ‘Tech-Challenged’ Apology
Say: “I’m not great with technology, and video calls can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for me.”
9. The ‘Mental Health’ Consideration
Say: “I’m trying to focus on my mental health, and I think video calling might not be the best idea right now.”
10. The ‘Honesty Is the Best Policy’ Approach
Say: “I’m just not in the mood for a video call today. Can we chat over text or on the phone instead?”
When giving an excuse for not wanting to video call, it’s best to be honest and upfront with your intentions. Use these suggestions as a guide to find the right balance between being truthful and avoiding sounding like you’re catfishing the other person. Keep it lighthearted and remember to respect their feelings in the process
Excuses Not to Facetime or Video Call
When you’re pretending to be busy but secretly just don’t want to Facetime, you can try:
- “I’m just finishing up this urgent work email.”
- “I can’t get my internet to work right now.”
- “I’m actually on the other line with someone else.”
- “My battery is almost dead, and I need to conserve what little power is left for emergencies.”
Those who just can’t help putting things off until the last minute may say:
- “I’m waiting for the perfect moment to chat. It’ll be so much better then!”
- “I’ll Facetime with you when I’ve finished this one last thing.”
- “I’m about to start a marathon Netflix binge, let’s save it for later.”
If you’re constantly juggling multiple tasks and find it hard to focus on one thing at a time:
- “I’m in the middle of making dinner right now.”
- “Can we Facetime later? I’m trying to finish this important work report.”
- “I can’t Facetime now; I’m running some errands.”
Say You’re Too Busy
When you’re simply too busy for a Facetime call:
- “I wish we could Facetime, but I’m so swamped right now.”
- “I’m on my way to a meeting, let’s schedule it for later.”
- “I’m afraid I can’t make time for a video call at the moment, I’m overbooked.”
The ‘Tech-Challenged’ Excuse
If you’re not so great with technology:
- “I’m not sure how to use Facetime, let’s talk over the phone instead.”
- “Can we just text each other? Facetime is a bit too complicated for me.”
- “I’m not sure how to use Facetime on this new device.”
The Tech-Phobe Excuse
For those who are generally uncomfortable with technology:
- “I’m not a big fan of video calls. It makes me feel exposed.”
- “I’m not comfortable with my image being recorded or shared.”
- “I prefer to keep my personal life off the internet.”
The ‘Social Anxiety’ Excuse for Video Calling
For those who struggle with social interactions:
- “I’m a little anxious about being on camera. Let’s just chat over the phone.”
- “Can we use audio only? I get a little self-conscious when people can see me.”
- “I’m not really comfortable showing my face to people I’m not close with.”
The ‘It’s Just Not My Thing’ Video Excuse
If you’re not a fan of video calls in general:
- “To be honest, I just don’t like Facetime. It doesn’t feel natural to me.”
- “I prefer talking on the phone or sending texts. Video calls are just too much.”
- “I’m not really into video calls, let’s stick to texting or talking on the phone.”
The ‘Can’t Find a Good Lighting’ Excuse
For those who can’t find the perfect lighting for a Facetime call:
- “I’m sorry, but I can’t Facetime right now. The lighting in my room isn’t great.”
- “I’d love to Facetime, but I need to find a better spot with natural light.”
- “I’m going to need to move to a different room to get better lighting.”
The ‘I Don’t Look Good on Camera’ Excuse
If you feel self-conscious about your appearance on camera:
- “I’m not sure if my appearance is up to par for a Facetime call.”
- “I don’t feel confident about how I look on camera, let’s just talk on the phone.”
- “I haven’t had time to do my makeup, so it’s probably not the best time for a Facetime call.”
Related:
14 Good Excuses & Valid Reasons to Leave Work Early
9 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice
