I like you, I think you’re a good-hearted person, and a nice one, too. That does not, however, mean I think the board will die a miserable death if you don’t make it there one evening, and it definitely does not mean you need to tell us every time you have some kind of appointment, or a cold, or the flu, or whatever. If you have an inoperable brain tumor, by all means, say so. If you’re going on a six month vacation to visit the Dalai Lama and won’t have internet access, tell us. If you’ve broken your neck and both legs in a car accident, it’s okay to tell us. Otherwise, STFU because we don’t need to know every time you make a move. Why do so many people think their health is of interest to everyone else? “How are you?” is just a saying, and the correct answer is, “I’m fine thanks–and you?”