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Original poster

I need a believable excuse to get out of a dinner I don't want to go to.

48 replies

LoveMAFS · 15/02/2023 15:51

I could be honest & just say I don't feel up to it but I feel like that brings more attention to me about why I don't feel up to it. It was supposed to be a very small gathering but now the host has invited their adult dc along too. In different times I'd feel very happy but currently I have stuff going on and don't want to face a host of nosey questions from dc who aren't my intimate friends. (as has happened previously). We only live a few doors apart.

OP posts:
neverknowinglyunreasonable · 15/02/2023 15:53

Maybe say you are worried that all these balloons that are being shot down are actually aliens and you're staying at home to research what else the government are covering up.

The benefit of this approach is that you are unlikely to be invited to future dinners.

FatSealSmugSoup · 15/02/2023 15:54

“I think I might have covid and I couldn’t live with myself…”

postitpatty · 15/02/2023 15:55

Is it tonight? Go with the classic headache line.

Mrsjayy · 15/02/2023 15:55

If alien invasion is a bit too much a sudden headache will work just as well !

Charles11 · 15/02/2023 15:56

Sore throat and achy limbs. Everyone seems to be getting that at the moment.

TribeD · 15/02/2023 15:56

Be honest...

Thanks for the invite, but this time I won't ae avle to join you. I've a lot going on and I'm not feeling up to much socialising.

You don't owe them an explanation, just a polite thanks but no thanks.

LaFemmeDamnee · 15/02/2023 15:57

Can you vomit on demand? If you can, turn up, vomit on their doorstep and go home.

jellybelly22 · 15/02/2023 15:57

The shits. Nobody wants that at their dinner party.

TribeD · 15/02/2023 15:57
  • be able!
potniatheron · 15/02/2023 15:58

Tell them you've got to stay home to work on your application for Scottish First Minister.

HaveANiceFuckingDay · 15/02/2023 15:58

Covid symptoms but you haven't tested as you feel too crap to go and buy one

ButterCrackers · 15/02/2023 15:59

No need to give an excuse. Just say thank you for the invitation and sorry to not be able to be there.

Paturday · 15/02/2023 15:59

Have you already said you’d go? Otherwise ‘I can’t make it but have a great night!’ Will do it. But if you’ve already said you’d go then you’ll have to be ill!

Original poster
LoveMAFS · 15/02/2023 16:02

I did accept the invitation because I thought it was just going to be a small tight group but now all the dc are coming too. I do like the dc, I just can't cope with the inevitable questions because things aren't going too well for me right now.

OP posts:
MadeOfSteel · 15/02/2023 16:02

Covid symptoms. It's the perfect excuse nowadays.

Original poster
LoveMAFS · 15/02/2023 16:03

I don't want to lie about illness because they'll likely see me around and about all weekend.

OP posts:
aob3 · 15/02/2023 16:05

Need to work late to meet a deadline? Or if you work shifts, you've been asked to cover someone's shift?

soberfabulous · 15/02/2023 16:05

I always use work as an excuse.

My work is feral so everyone believes it.

underneaththeash · 15/02/2023 16:06

Just say, would you mind if it’s just us? Things are a bit difficult at the moment.

Idlikeasize8please · 15/02/2023 16:07

TribeD · 15/02/2023 15:56

Be honest...

Thanks for the invite, but this time I won't ae avle to join you. I've a lot going on and I'm not feeling up to much socialising.

You don't owe them an explanation, just a polite thanks but no thanks.

I would go with this one. Its honest and sincere - I wouldn't be offended with this as a host. If they also know you and what is going on, they will completely understand

TreacleMcDoo · 15/02/2023 16:10

How close are you to the host? Be honest otherwise you will agree to an invite in future and the same thing could happen again. I would say you were looking forward to it being an small group but now with the dc added you feel you can't talk as freely and it has changed the dynamic of the group so you will give it a miss this time. That means the host can arrange another evening knowing why you didn't come to the first one.

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 15/02/2023 16:11

Migraine. Or dodgy stomach.

Or the truth and say you've got some stuff going on and really don't think you'll be good company, so you're sorry but you'll have to cancel. If they try to convince you to come anyway then say you really can't, you don't feel you can cope with it right now and don't feel up to talking about it.

Xiaoxiong · 15/02/2023 16:14

I would say "ah, I didn't realise it was your whole gang tonight - I'm having a tough time right now and I don't think I'm up for it. Next time when it's just us I'd love to come."

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 15/02/2023 16:22

"I don't want to interrupt a family gathering, let's meet up another time." Respond to all the likely pressure with "let's meet up another time". Doesn't matter what the other person says the response is always "Let's do it another time" until they get bored and drop it.

pippinsleftleg · 15/02/2023 16:34

Xiaoxiong · 15/02/2023 16:14

I would say "ah, I didn't realise it was your whole gang tonight - I'm having a tough time right now and I don't think I'm up for it. Next time when it's just us I'd love to come."

This, better to be honest