q: bitches, what’s the best way to turn down a friend’s request to attend an event with them, or something along those lines, when the honest reason is plainly, “i don’t want to”? please account for responses such as, “i’ll cover the cost,” “but it’ll be fun,” and, “i know you’re not doing anything.”
— sorry, i’m washing my hair
a: is this about our vegan tofu-canning party that you still haven’t RSVP’d to? because we’re checking the evite and we can see you viewed it 4 days ago.
having friends with varied interests is what enriches life and broadens your horizons! unfortunately, it also means you get invited to things you’re not really into. if you’re lucky, you can wriggle out of these unwelcome invitations with lame half-excuses, but sometimes people don’t get the hint and just… keep… pushing.
if your friends choose to ignore your attempts to politely decline and they try to argue with your reasons, then you just have to tell them, “i think i’m going to pass on this one, but thanks for thinking of me.” if they continue to whine about how they don’t want to go alone so you have to go with them, you can add, “sorry, blacklight mini-golf REALLY isn’t my thing.” then turn the tables by inviting them to something!
although really, there’s nothing at all wrong with flat-out saying, “you know what, i just don’t want to.” it may seem a bit harsh, but then at least everyone knows where they stand. and it’s better than saying you’ll go and then flaking out at the last minute.
one important exception: if your friend is some sort of singer/artist/actor/dancer and he/she invites you to all of their shows, you have to suck it up and attend at least a couple times a year or so. yes, even if it’s stand-up comedy. that’s just part of the friendship tax.
