I've had my share of life-happenings that have kept me from my commissions or my comic. But for the most part, I keep the details out of my business. My life has nothing to do with the transaction that the commissioner signed up for. And guilting your customer, "I'll skip dinner," is in terrible taste.

I feel awful for them, but telling everyone you had a miscarriage or your power is getting shut off is extremely tmi for a business relationship and only serves to make your customers very uncomfortable. There are much more appropriate ways to let people know that you are going through difficulties and you'll do your best to keep your end of the deal.