Dealing with invites

[getthetissues]

I've got a strained relationship with my family. How do you deal with invites to stuff that you don't want to attend (not weddings or funerals but other stuff)...?

Thanks for the invitation, unfortunately you can't be there, hope they have a lovely time, you'll be thinking of them. No need to reveal what those thoughts are........
No need to justify yourself; you have a busy life and other things going on.
If it's something like a significant birthday, maybe a small thoughtful gift, a nice card, some flowers?

Sorry I can't make it (don't explain why, just leave blank). Have a nice time.

Politely decline and wish them well.

You'll find you get fewer as time goes on.