WOMEN: What are the most ridiculous, shameful excuses you've given to your friend(s) for the person you're dating?

As someone who is fascinated the way our brains change while dating, what mental gymnastics did you pull to tell yourself and others that the flags weren't so red? Things that, in hindsight and once the fog clears, sound almost preposterous.

I'm particularly interested if the romantic interest was a slob/deadbeat/going nowhere. There has to be a glimmer on the other side of these people, and I'd love to hear what people saw and how they see it now! Why did you keep them around? What would "flip the switch", and bring them back to your good graces?

This is mostly intended for humorous reflection; of course all stories are welcome :)