Some friends called me, and left a message regarding going out to eat and bowling next weeking. However they didn't say where they want to eat at, and the last two times it was at this italian food restaurant that I can't even stand the smell of. I think lasagna, and all that is so disgusting, I don't want to be near it, I doubt theres anything else on the menu either. - ok see it as weird.
What should I say when I call back today, and he says "yeah it's at (nasty italian food place)" I don't want to be like, no I don't like their food, or think it's disgusting.
If it's almost anywhere else, i'm totally down in going.
thanks
2007-11-25 05:13:32 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
it's like a birthday party
2007-11-25 05:15:27 · update #1
If it is someone's birthday party (other than yours), you can't make your friends decide to go elsewhere. Obviously if it is for your birthday, you just say, "I'm happy you guys thought about me, but if we go out to eat, I'd rather go somewhere else. I don't really care for italian."
For a normal outting with friends, you can also say the same sort of thing...but that doesn't mean you won't be out voted. Just avoid insulting the place that your friends like going to...it is pretty rude to tell someone the food they like is "nasty".
2007-11-25 05:26:15 · answer #1 · answered by missbeans 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Alright, now.. CALM down!! The invitation is to a Birthday Party, not an italian dinner!! You accept on the basis of whether or not you wish to attend the B-day party, not the food.
If you have a chance to say, "Maybe we can try something different this time... how about that great Greek place on Main street?" well then, go for it.
If you have a physical revulsion to the smell of the italian food, then you do have a problem!! Do your cohorts know of this revulsion of yours? Might you say sometime to them... outside of this particular situation... "Hey guys... how can you stand the smell of italian food? It makes me sick, no... literally!!! I could toss my cookies into the parmesean in no time flat!" or whatever. Then maybe discuss a change of venue for these parties of yours.
If you decide to swallow your cookies instead and attend the party AT the italian restaurant, I suggest you eat something BEFORE YOU GO so you won't be so hungry while there. Then, when you are at the party/restaurant, you can politely say, "No, I'll just have some more iced tea... I really don't feel hungry right now..." and it won't be a LIE to anyone.
Good luck, m'dear! And don't forget to wish the b-day boy/girl a happy b-day!
Have a polite day.
2007-11-25 17:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since they haven't specified a location yet... beat them to the chase. People will go for what they know is "safe" unless an alternative is presented early.
Before they call you and tell you where they're going, call one of your buddies and say something to the effect of "Hey i just heard about this restaurant on XYZ street, it's supposed to be really good! What do you think about trying it out next weekend?"
It'll be a very subtle way of avoiding nasty Italian food place without looking unsociable, rude or a picky pain in the ars.
*edit* if it's a birthday party... there isn't much you can do about the location. Eat before you go and stick to breadsticks and wine (or whatever beverage you choose) when you get there. Order a salad or something small if they insist, but let them know you've already eaten. Try to enjoy yourself as much as possible and if you really REALLY don't want to eat ANYTHING there, go, but keep yourself occupied (volunteer to be the photographer, etc.). Just make sure you stay happily engaged in the conversation - that's very important. It'll will allow you to keep the focus on the individual celebrating a birthday and the related birthday festivities and off of the fact that you're not eating, you're unhappy, etc. If you are able to do that you're an etiquette champ and have nothing to worry about. (If you don't eat, still tip the service as if you had).
2007-11-25 13:40:26 · answer #3 · answered by Acorn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are projecting but if it is the restaurant then maybe a suggestion of somewhere different would be appropriate since you have dined there the last few times the group went out
2007-11-25 17:07:32 · answer #4 · answered by bells 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the person (who's birthday it is) is close to you or is special then I think you should be able to put up with the place one more time . I mean come on its there birthday !you would not want to be rude to them on there birthday .Any other time you can be frank with your friends about the restaurant
2007-11-25 13:40:39 · answer #5 · answered by chocolatykitten 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them where it will be. Then if it's at (nasty Italian food place), just tell them: No thank you...maybe next time.
2007-11-25 13:30:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be proactive and insist on an alternative where you would be most comfortable
2007-11-25 13:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
geez your life is so stressfull i wish my biggest problem was deciding where to eat
2007-11-25 13:24:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋