Overcommitting feels generous on Monday and turns into flaking by Friday.

Agreements made for a distant week feel free, because the version of you who has to do them seems like somebody else with a clearer schedule. That person turns out to be you, tired, on Friday. The generosity was real at the time and the effect is the opposite of generous, since a canceled plan costs the other person more than a no would have.

Before agreeing to something weeks out, ask whether you would say yes if it were tomorrow. If not, decline now. Early honesty is the version that keeps people able to plan.