You love your friends. You would ride into battle for them. But figuring out what everyone's Thursday looks like next week, can sometimes be harder than securing face-value concert tickets.
Somewhere between work and study deadlines, gym routines, and strict (or not so strict) bedtime preferences, planning a simple two-hour meal became an extreme sport.
You probably know this cycle all too well.
Stage 1: Pure Optimism
It all starts with someone dropping a text into the chat:
"Guys we need to catch up! Are people free sometime next week?"
For about four minutes, the vibes are great. You picture getting drinks, ordering truffle fries, and finally hearing all the life updates.
You think: "This shouldn't take more than a couple of texts to sort out."
A foolish mistake.
Stage 2: The Calendar Clash
Then the replies start rolling in:
- Zara: "I can do Thursday, but only before 7:30 because of padel."
- Tobi: "I'm out of town until Friday, but free all next weekend!"
- Beth: "Tuesday works, or anytime the following week after 6."
- Sam: *Reacts with a ❤️ to a meme sent three days ago*
You scroll back up trying to figure out if anyone is actually free at the same time.
Stage 3: Victory
Against all odds, someone thinks they found a match:
"Wait, looks like Thursday the 24th works for everyone? Let's do 7:00 PM at that new burger spot!"
You relax. You mentally pick out your outfit. You check the menu.
Stage 4: The Plot Twist
Twelve hours later, someone speaks up:
"Wait, sorry, I just remembered I have a work thing that night / my parents are in town / I completely forgot I made other plans."
You leave a sad react, no new dates are suggested, and the chat goes quiet.
Stage 5: Acceptance
The plan slowly gets buried under TikTok links, bad dating stories, and voice notes. It joins the three other dinners and that day trip everyone swore they'd do this summer.
You'll probably suggest it again in a few months. Or, next time someone brings up a get-together, add it to SayWhen. Everyone taps when they're free and it's happening. Less admin, more truffle fries.