Tag reliability

Stepping Up To The Plate

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“Stepping up to the plate” is a phrase borrowed from baseball, where a player literally steps up to take their turn at bat. Metaphorically, it means taking responsibility, rising to a challenge, or doing what needs to be done, especially in difficult situations.

When someone is undergoing surgery and is temporarily unable to take care of their responsibilities, they often rely on their friends and loved ones to step up—to help with practical matters like meals, errands, or even just emotional support. It’s a moment that tests relationships because while many people express good intentions, not all follow through when the time comes.

Believing that friends will come through requires trust, but also realistic expectations. Some people may not know how to help, may feel uncomfortable around illness, or may simply get caught up in their own lives. Communication is key—sometimes, people want to help but need specific direction on what’s needed.

That said, when friends do step up, it deepens relationships and reinforces the value of true support systems. It shows that friendship isn’t just about the good times but also about being present during hardships. It’s in these moments that people reveal whether they are truly dependable, and unfortunately, it can also be a time when some friendships prove to be less solid than expected.

That’s a tough situation, especially when you’re in a vulnerable position, and you’re relying on someone to help you. Entrusting someone with your household means putting faith in their responsibility and integrity, and it can be really disappointing—if not outright frustrating—when they don’t follow through. If it’s a small inconsistency, it might be a matter of forgetfulness or misunderstanding, but if it’s a pattern, then it suggests carelessness or even dishonesty.

When you’re always the responsible one, the one people rely on, it’s easy for others to take that for granted. But when the roles are reversed, and people don’t show up for you in the way you need, it forces you to reassess relationships, expectations, and even your own boundaries.

Not Holding My Breath For You!

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unreliable people

When I was younger, I would go out of my way to accommodate other people’s requests, and always believed them when they promised to follow up with me. Then, when no follow up call came, I would always blame myself, as if I had any control over another human being. Nowadays, I automatically assume that nothing is set in stone until the appointment is booked and the person shows up, the deposit is paid (if a business transaction is to take place), the contract is signed, etc. I certainly have learned my lesson over the years and would rather have no expectations and then be pleasantly surprised when someone with integrity whose word is reliable comes through.

The no-expectations attitude which I have adopted has definitely helped me deal with people in the fitness and entertainment industries, both of which seem to attract some of the flakiest people on the planet. The more grandiose the ideas and promises made by someone I am just meeting for the first time, the more I suspect that their words are simply verbal diarrhea, so I just tune them out.

I now de-prioritize all individuals who fail to call when they are supposed to, who fail to respond to reasonable and friendly follow-up requests, or who offer some bullshit excuse about how things are still “in the works” and how my patience would be appreciated. I have done business with too many people who are complete flakes, and I am DONE. It isn’t MY job to follow up with them, and I am sick of the aggravation. My message to all of them is to put on grown-up pants and show some respect and some initiative!

In keeping with having to deal with unreliable and unprofessional people, I refuse to suggest ideas or offer information without a written contract in place. I also will not provide a service unless it is paid for at the time of services rendered. And no, I do not accept checks.

What frustrates me is that I still find myself wondering what it is that I did to cause this person to ignore me, yet I know how unhealthy such notions are. I can’t take it personally. The best thing to do is to brush the negative experience aside and move on.