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AIBU?

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Is it rude to always reverse invitations

85 replies

Drearydiedre · 09/08/2024 09:22

We have some friends who moved to our area a couple of years ago. It turns out our paths have crossed in the past - dhs worked at the same company years ago and got on well. Dc go to the same school and get on. Dd is always wanting their dd over to play.

Over the last couple of years I have invited them to a handful of things. They are lovely and polite but always reverse the invitation so that it happens at their house. For example if I invite their dd for a playdate, somehow my dd ends up there. Eg 'lovely idea! Actually we have the pool out why doesn't your dd come here tomorrow?'. I invited the mum over for coffee when we were walking back from the school run on our days off but somehow the coffee happened at hers even though we walked past my front door. It didn't really bother but yesterday I scrolled back through our messages and saw this had happened every single time. We have this weird situation now where we are pretty good family friends but none of them have set foot in our house and Dd is still desperate for a playdate at our house.

Is this rude? Do they just like things on their terms or is this a non issue? I am being asked to organise another playdate but am reluctant to as I know I won't be hosting!

OP posts:
Moltenpink · 09/08/2024 10:14

Can I be her friend please? I hate hosting

hopeishere · 09/08/2024 10:09

I knew someone like this. She just liked being able to keep an eye on her kids as they were a bit loud!

RudithJudith · 09/08/2024 10:09

Do you have a big slobbery dog? I always avoided going to friends houses where they had dogs as I was scared of them (still am!) and probably wouldn't send my children to a dog owning house if I didn't know the parents extremely well and knew the dog was well trained etc

RB68 · 09/08/2024 09:46

I suspect its a don't want little one on own at yours or sI would let it drift if I am honest - cant always be pandering. Try asking little girl on play date and Mum for coffee at the same time, make it your last shot

Drearydiedre · 09/08/2024 09:41

I think you're probably right. I need to be more forceful with my invitations! I'm quite a laid back person and this has never bothered me before. It's just on reflection.

I guess I can't decide whether it's a bit rude though? This has happened with a whole family invitation too. I suggested a bbq, they were already thinking of getting their bbq out. Suddenly we were all there!

Their dd is very sociable and confident but I suppose there could be issues I hadn't considered. They are definitely not neat freaks!

OP posts:
SlB09 · 09/08/2024 09:35

Yeah I would say there may be more underlying rather than rudeness, certainly not rude as she's accepting the invitations and obviously wanting them to play. She may also just be one of those people who is super polite and doesn't want to put on you so always offers hers as an option.
Her kids may also like to be in their own environment etc
I wouldn't take it as rudeness at all, but definitely agree with the line of saying Ng your daughter really wants to show her bedroom etc and that it's your turn

Trickabrick · 09/08/2024 09:34

I think it’s a little odd that you’ve never once replied back “oh DD is looking forward to showing X her toys so let’s do it here” or “you’ve hosted the last x times so I insist on returning the favour”.

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 09/08/2024 09:32

Yes, exactly as @zonder suggests. If there is a reason they aren't coming - eg their dd gets anxious at other houses, from the sounds of things you are now at the point where you are good enough friends they need to be honest with you.

Friendly, polite but clear that the invite is specifically at your house.

holju · 09/08/2024 09:31

It's weird. Is it that their house is spotlessly clean? I wonder if there is some sort of germphobia, like the posters on here who won't eat in someone elses house in case they've put the tea towels in the wash with the knickers.

Zonder · 09/08/2024 09:29

I would message and say DD would love to show friend her garden / bedroom / favourite toy so could they come round after school today for a play date.

If the mum says oh but we have the pool out bla bla just say great, let's do that tomorrow. Looking forward to the girls playing with xx later.

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