How to handle debt?

Generally if you contact a lender within a reasonable amount of time and let them know your payment will be late they will work with you, if you are consistently late then they will be less likely to do so, but if it is an occasional event, there should be little or no problem. Often even if you can't make the entire payment, paying the interest at the very least will gain you some time and the lender's good will. Most of all, remember to remain polite yourself, sometimes it rubs off on them.