Excuse to not go..

[SetteeorCouch]

Our Managers birthday is coming up and I’ve received the dreaded email to go out Friday night for drinks and a meal. How can I get out of it? I’m useless with excuses so need idea. Thanking you.

Say no, thank you.
You don't need more.

You don't need to give details, just say you're very sorry but you already have plans. If pressed, a vague 'catching up with some old friends' will do.

Do you have kids? If so childcare is always the best excuse. If not the. You could say you have prior arrangements. You could also leave it last minute and use the 'I'm sick' or 'family emergency' excuses

It's such short notice so I would say that I already had plans for that night.

"Sorry, I have other plans - hope you have a lovely evening!"

"Hi Manager. Thanks for inviting me to your birthday drinks on Friday. Unfortunately I can't come out to celebrate with you - but hope everyone has a great time. Very best, Settee"

Don't flake out at the last minute. That's awful behaviour and all too common nowadays. The person organising ends up feeling a prize fool when they were expecting 20 people and only two turn up.

Either decline, or accept and stick to it barring a genuine emergency/illness.

'oh sorry, I'm not free that day'.

The end.

Oh sorry I'm already busy that evening. Hope you have a lovely time

This - it’s perfect. No excuses needed.

Thanks for the invite, sorry I can’t make it on Friday.

You don’t need to make up an excuse & tbh a last minute Friday night out in January is a terrible idea! If your plans are sitting under a blanket and eating pizza, they are still valid plans, you don’t have to accept an invite :)