Friends & datingAdvanced
When a friend stands you up in English (advanced)
Advanced English for when a friend stands you up. Key line: “Hey, where are you? I’m still waiting, so should I leave?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, where are you? I’m still waiting, so should I leave?
Them
Oh man, I completely lost track of time and missed your messages.
Lin
Right, because my phone and your conscience must’ve died at once.
Them
Fair, but I’m ten minutes away now, if you haven’t given up.
Lin
Honestly, I already gave your empty chair a name and a backstory.
Them
That’s rough. Does Chair Michael at least seem more reliable than me?
Lin
By a lot. He’s been quiet, present, and honestly great company.
Them
Ouch. I’m sorry—save me a seat, and maybe don’t let Michael replace me.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
time
✓ I lost track of time.Use when time slipped away.
More natural than I forgot time
give up
✓ Have you given up?Ask if they stopped waiting.
stop waiting or trying
backstory
✓ I gave your empty chair a name and a backstory.Joke: you waited so long.
Joke: waited too long
seat
✓ Save me a seat.Ask a friend to keep a place.
Common with friends
Quick answers
time: what to say in English
Say “I lost track of time.” — use when time slipped away. More natural than I forgot time.
give up: what to say in English
Say “Have you given up?” — ask if they stopped waiting. stop waiting or trying.
backstory: what to say in English
Say “I gave your empty chair a name and a backstory.” — joke: you waited so long. Joke: waited too long.
seat: what to say in English
Say “Save me a seat.” — ask a friend to keep a place. Common with friends.