What do you do if you are invited to a dinner party and you really don't feel like going? How do I turn it down politely?
♥ Ginger
2007-06-16 15:41:39 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
First, thank them for the invitation and for thinking of you. Tell them that while you'd like to accept their invitation, you have made plans and can't attend. Those plans can be with yourself. They don't need to know that part.
2007-06-16 15:49:11 · answer #1 · answered by sonofstar 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If it's a dinner party that's a one time thing, with a lot of other people there, you could first make other plans, and then tell about your other plans.
If it's more of a "we should get together, as two couples, for dinner" event, then most likely if you say that you're busy, they'll want to reschedule. In that case, you might want to say something like "My life is really hectic right now and I really don't feel up for anything like that at this time." or, say it's a coworker you don't like, something like "I don't feel comfortable socializing with coworkers... I like to keep my professional life and social life separate." If it's truly a friend and it's just something you don't feel comfortable doing, suggest you and your friend go out to dinner together or something along those lines. The friend would just want to spend time with you and you could do it on your own terms then.
2007-06-16 17:28:57 · answer #2 · answered by Violet 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to come to your dinner party. I'm so sorry, and I really appreciate the invitation. I hope you guys have a wonderful time!"
That way, you're not lying, and you're still wishing them well, which makes you look good. If they ask why, tell them, "Just some personal reasons."
2007-06-16 15:59:12 · answer #3 · answered by Just Nikki 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be up front with them and tell them that you really are not quite sure what your plans are.Be sure and thank them in a sincere way.You do not have to go and sit at a dinner party you have no interest in.Just be polite and all will be good.
2007-06-16 15:55:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You've got plans. Make plans if you actually don't. Just make sure you're not avaliable. Or you could act sick, but that's sometimes hard to pull off.
Or you could just go and have fun. Hope this helps.
nicole
2007-06-16 15:45:39 · answer #5 · answered by nicole 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would politely say "I'm sorry but I've already made other plans for that night.
2007-06-16 15:56:28 · answer #6 · answered by JJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can say you have plans on the date it is taking place or just say, "I am so sorry, I won't be able to attend. Thank you for thinking of me".
2007-06-17 10:20:16 · answer #7 · answered by moonmother2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell them you have a previous engagement. Why don't you want to go, sounds like fun?
2007-06-20 12:13:32 · answer #8 · answered by Dan the man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Telling someone you already have plans when you don't just sounds like an excuse because people can detect it when you're not genuine. So the best way to handle this is to just be honest and tell them that dinner parties is just not what you're into. Clear communication will help who ever you're dealing with to understand you better and come up with better dates and who knows you might end up doing somthing else you like.
2007-06-16 15:54:02 · answer #9 · answered by Richi 1 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Say you are constipated and are unable to attend because you must spend the night with laxatives.
2007-06-16 18:51:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋