This post may not be for everyone...
but it shares feeling some of us may have, and how to deal with them.
or submitting a doctors note,
"I can't make it, but thank you for thinking of me".
This is a kind, completely acceptable answer.
It is also about replacing "I'm Sorry" with "Thank You".
I'm sorry I can't make it tonight - Thank you for inviting/including me.
I'm sorry to ask you for another favor - Thank you for helping me out.
I'm sorry for being so needy - Thank you for being here for me.
I'm sorry for being so emotional - Thank you for loving me.
I'm sorry I'm late - Thank you for waiting for me.