A cousin whom I have not seen, spoken to or heard from in over 8 years has decided to stay with my mother during the week-end of my birthday (this Sunday). My husband, my mother and I have plans to go out to Sunday lunch. Am I obligated to invite my cousin along? (I personally think my mother should not have accepted her as a house guest at this time, but that was her choice.)
2007-10-24 04:39:04 · 12 answers · asked by Ellen A 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You should not feel morally obligated to invite this long lost cousin to your already planned lunch with your hubby and mom on your birthday. The way you word everything I would assume you and this cousin are not the best of cousins. If you were you would not be asking this question. However, I do not believe that you should feel obligated to invite her just because she is around and she shouldn't expect to be invited either. Although is may be simple to modify plans for three to include another, it is your decision and should be respected.
2007-10-24 04:53:52 · answer #1 · answered by Queenapache 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he was YOUR houseguest, then yes. But since he is someone else's houseguest, then no. It would be nice if you did, and you might enjoy his company, but you're not obligated to do so. He can entertain himself for a few hours.
However, it's unfair to insist that your mother should have refused the houseguest just for your birthday. You don't know the whole story; maybe this was the only weekend he was available to travel or that they were both free. You have a birthday every year - this cousin only visits once a decade.
2007-10-24 06:12:57 · answer #2 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have some choices:
1. Invite your cousin to your birthday dinner. One more couldn't hurt. And, to leave her at home without a host is rude.
2. Don't invite her. Let her sit in an empty house.
3. Schedule your birthday dinner for another time when you have the full attention of your mom and husband.
4. Have something at your Mom's- something 'small' and include your cousin in the meal.
2007-10-24 05:15:38 · answer #3 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course you should invite her, to do otherwise would be rude and a clear sign of serious hostility. Do you not like this person? You didn't say.
A chance to get to know your cousin again could turn out to be a great birthday present. Take the opportunity to make a connection with family. Who knows, maybe you'll make a new friend.
Have a great birthday!
2007-10-24 04:48:45 · answer #4 · answered by Mamalissa 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
in case you invite human beings to a minimum of something, that makes you the hostess, so which you will pay. in case you want the others to pay for you, you will desire to await them to ask you. If needed, start up dropping tricks approximately your upcoming birthday, and spot what occurs. an option is to call everyone and advise which you celebration for dinner. this isn't comparable to "inviting" them, so which you won't be predicted to pay for each guy or woman else. besides the incontrovertible fact that it additionally capacity the others get an equivalent say in making plans the form.
2016-11-09 08:59:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should invite her. If you had a house guest, and some friends invited you to dinner, how would you feel leaving your guest at home? That would be rude. A house guest should be treated with honor...plus she's family. Come on.
2007-10-24 05:32:46 · answer #6 · answered by Answer Annie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You do not live with your mother, therefore, you are not obligated to invite anyone you don't want to your birthday dinner. If you don't want your cousin to come, mention it to your mother and how uncomfortable you'll feel. Otherwise, swallow your pride and get reacquainted, you might be surprised!
2007-10-24 05:25:47 · answer #7 · answered by Brewspy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ever hear the song: "It's my Party and I'll cry if I want to" ???
Well that song teaches us that when you have a party or b-day you get to do as you please as long as it doesnt hurt anybody else. I would think that having dinner with one of my cousins that I haven't seen or heard from in 8 years would be nice! fun even, we could get caught up on our lives and stuff.
But maybe you didnt like this cousin to begin with....maybe you could plan something for her, like buy her a movie ticket or suggest a nice place for her to go to if you really can't stand her going to dinner with you and your family.
Oh ya...Happy Birthday hunn...
2007-10-24 04:55:59 · answer #8 · answered by cute as a cookie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you worried about who's paying? Do you not like your cousin or not want her at your special lunch? I always figure, the more the merrier!
It would be rude to leave her stuck home alone though.
2007-10-24 05:01:47 · answer #9 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
there is no obligation to invite anyone...it's your birthday, you should celebrate with people you care about....
2007-10-24 04:47:02 · answer #10 · answered by Cainam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋