Why do people give excuses?

I would assume because they are embarrassed about the real reason? Like the other day, I was very late for a meeting with a friend, because I left the house way too late (I got caught up online), but it feels very disrespectful to say that so I blamed the bus, hehe!

I agree with you. It's normally to excuse when you make mistakes or when you hurt someone. But if you excuse constantly that becomes annoying, and it seems that something is wrong... I'm positive and think that in the most cases the excuses are for good, the person who excuses tries to be pleasant and not to make the others think that he/she wants to harm them. It's known that people put the mask, dissemble and are ready to excuse, lie or whatever it takes to achieve something (which is not good).

Excuses unless backed with a genuine reason shouldn't be given.It is unpardonable to give excuses to avoid work.Giving too many excuses means one is trying to avoid a situation or person.The opposite person will get a negative impression of us if we repeatedly give excuses.

Well, sometimes excuses are good and sometimes it's bad. It's a matter of how you use it. Sometimes you really have to state an excuse cuz it's needed like for example you're absent in a class. It'd be bad for your reputation if you don't give an excuse to your teacher.

Well, sometimes excuses are good and sometimes it's bad. It's a matter of how you use it. Sometimes you really have to state an excuse cuz it's needed like for example you're absent in a class. It'd be bad for your reputation if you don't give an excuse to your teacher.

Some are good if it's true, some are bad if you are covering a lie. Making up reasons/excuses is a defense mechanism of the person to cope up with a stressful situation. It's either they don't want to get busted or don't want to hurt other people.

Excuses should be used only during emergencies or on important issues. Sometimes we make excuses to avoid responsibilities or to cover some lies and mistakes.