Hi all,
I’ve been added to a WhatsApp group for a hen do in July next year. My question is, how do you politely decline an invitation when you’re given a date so far in advance?
To be honest, I was really surprised to receive the invitation as the bride is a friend from school whom I’ve had very little contact with over the past few years. Our friendship has just fizzled, no argument or animosity that I’m aware of. I did grow tired of always being the one to instigate meeting up for coffee/lunch/drinks and whenever I did try to organise anything it had to be 3-4 months in advance because she was too busy and plans were constantly cancelled by her with no effort on her part to rearrange. I’m of the opinion that you make time for or prioritise people who you care for or enjoy spending time with and it just got to a point where I felt I just wasn’t deemed worthy of her time and so gave up trying to make plans and keep the friendship alive. Consequently, we haven’t really had any contact for over 4 years because she never instigated anything after I gave up asking.
So I was highly surprised at being added to a WhatsApp group for her hen do! The group has nearly 30 people in there so I don’t think she’s short of friends or people to invite. I’m pleased for her and have congratulated her on her engagement but I suppose I really resent spending £300+ on a hen do where I won’t know anyone else and barely know the bride at this point. I’ve just bought a house and money is really tight.
We’re not on bad terms and I don’t want to come across as rude. How can I politely decline or what is a reasonable excuse?