I could have written this post......I have been wondering the same thing. I'd much rather people be straightforward than be fake and tell me some BS that they would love to get together, but then they just go cold on me. I wish I understood this behavior more, because I just can't imagine telling someone I'm going to do something and deliberately ignoring them. It's extremely rude, self-centered, and even cold when people act like they are excited to do something and then they just go no contact. Even when people cancel instead of no-show, I'd have a lot more respect for people who tell you "I am not sure," "I can't," "I don't want to," or "I'll check in with you when time gets closer," than those who lie or ghost me.

It's good you do not tolerate this behavior anymore. There's people out there that would not do this to you. I'm sorry you've been burned before. I have been too lately, but I have learned that it's important to cut certain people off early on than buying into their excuses (which is what I used to do). I'm a work in progress with setting boundaries, but I definitely value standing up for yourself and telling people what behavior you will not tolerate so that you only let considerate people into your life who are genuine and do not play these childish games.