Silly reasons for missing a party?

[Earlybird]

I got a late invitation to a 40th being held next Friday night (newish friend from dd's school). It's a dinner/dance black tie affair set at a posh London hotel. My immediate reaction was "no appropriate clothes" since it's been so long since I went to a formal event. Next reaction is that I won't know anyone there (other than guest of honor and her husband), and will it be awkward going on my own. Honestly don't know if I'm making excuses because I'm not that interested, or if I'm reluctant to come out of single mum hibernation...

Buy yourself a dress woman!

Perfect excuse!!!

Hmmm - fastasleep, you may be right. Still undecided though. Don't really enjoy shopping, so not sure I want to spend time (and money, if I'm honest) on seaching for dress/bag/shoes that will be worn so seldom. Also, don't much fancy being the only single person there (though, she may have a few single friends, but it will be mostly couples). Walking into a room of people you don't know is so hard! I've got alot of excuses, don't I?

Must give her an answer by tonight. Anyone else?

Tell her how you feel, ask if there are any others going in your situation. If she is a good friend she will understand.

Hopefully there will be others and you will go and have a great time!!

I agree with Pindy; honestly is the best policy. Also, ask her if there may be any yummy single dads there...

you could always hire an outfit ....

Earlybird - do you know if it's a sit down dinner thing? If so then it's a lot easier to chat to people - you won;t need to do that thing of trying to introduce yourself to a bunch of people already standing round chatting. Also there might even be a seating plan and your friend will have given some thought to who she thinks you'll get on with. I am sure she'll be conscious that you won't know peoepl and I'm sure she'll make an effort to introduce you. Take it as a compliment that she would like you there. She probably thought reasonably hard about whether you'd get on with her otehr friends and decided that you would. You should go and have fun.