In the situations I've been in, I have not been able to give specific dates because we were talking about something future. Then, when the time grew closer, I mentioned it again and nailed down something more specific. For example, I was going to meet with one person about planning out a hiking trip or two (just a day) together and looking at a map, and she bailed on me with the planning and never brought it up again. I asked another person to play some music. The answer was "sure", but then when I asked about setting a date, there was no answer. I asked another person to get together to chat. She was busy, but suggested a time when I was busy. Then she had to go on vacation. Then she was busy some more. Then she never followed up like she said she would. She may have just forgotten, but she put me off so long (the whole process above took months), I gave up.
I've also had two women in my life who I'd like to have as friends straight-out tell me they don't have time for me. OK, I get being busy. But why is it that *almost everyone* I'm interested in as a friend has no time for me? At least these people were honest. But it still hurts. They like me, but don't have time for me. So, they don't like me *enough.* Yes, they have gone through some rough times lately, but with one it was for over TWO years. Now, she's like, "Yay, I can read a book again!" And, I'm like, "How about making time for coffee with a friend?" (I didn't say this, I just felt like it.) The other woman told me she was too busy before having another kid who now has health problems, and her kids are in a bunch of activities. Being a friend is just not a priority. Again, at least *they* are honest.
But when person after person after person gives me the run-around or tells me they are too busy...it makes me think that in situations of regular socializing people like me well enough, but I'm just not friend material. For just about everyone.