I agree we owe people expecting us a reason why we're late or don't show up. That's inconsiderate and disrespectful – it's just plain rude.

However, everyone needs personal space – somewhere that is theirs. Everyone also needs time with themselves and solitude. And, we all need the space to live our authentic selves. All of these things mean giving someone personal space. It's not a reflection of a relationship to ask for that.

Unfortunately, it is a reflection of a relationship if one person cannot or will not give the other reasonable personal space.