This is based on an experience but I'm looking for generic advice to help me in the future.

I just blew my chance to date probably the most attractive and genuinely interesting girl I've ever met by attempting to postpone the date for a 3rd time causing her to respond "hey you seem like a great guy but look this clearly this isn't meant to be. Good luck with it".

Now I actually felt like my reasons were valid enough - I've herniated a disc in my lower back and the pain was quite extreme so I postponed the first date, then that had healed somewhat but my grandma who I was extremely close with passed the night before we scheduled the 2nd date - fast forward a week and a half to now and I just attempted to reschedule the date a 3rd time because my boss just dumped an insane amount of work on me and they need it done asap (and I need a good reference from them because I'm trying to change jobs)... well 3 strikes you're out.

Fair enough.

Ironically it's because I thought so highly of her that I wanted to wait until I was in a good place physically and mentally so I could make a good impression.

I know there will always be obstacles and shit - that's part of life - but is it fair to say that if you set a date with a girl, you have maybe 1 chance to reschedule otherwise they're moving on?

Any advice or experience surrounding postponing dates would be great.