How do I get out of this?!

[Theendog]

I agreed to meet a friend to go to the Christmas Market. It’s in the city she works in and I’m travelling in to meet her.

She’ll be finished early (4pm) and she’s text today to say- shall we go shopping. I honestly can’t think of anything worse. She goes to shops I don’t buy from. She’ll spend eternity in the changing rooms … I’m not coming to go bloody shopping!

How do I decline??

"No, I don't have enough time for a full shopping trip."

She’s asked you, not told you, so just say that you really don’t fancy shopping and it’s not your cup of tea at all - can we stick to the original plan?

Nothing to stop her going shopping before she meets you, if she’s now finishing early?

Just be honest. Oh no thank you, shops this time of year are my worst nightmare. Happy to go to the market though if you still want to?

no need for any drama

Oh, I’m not really in the mood for shopping tbh, I was more looking forward to the Christmas Market. Shall we just meet there when you’re finished?

Say no, sorry, I don't fancy that and it will be really busy, I just fancied the market.

Depends on the nature of your friendship but I’d be “ 🤣 clothes shopping a week before Christmas?. No thanks. Let’s go get a drink / food / coffee and have a catch up. I’m exhausted and looking forward to seeing you “ or whatever fits your particular relationship.

'I'm not going near shops! The market is my limit. If you want to shop we can take a raincheck and do the market another day'.