How do I politely bow out of a lunch?

Kristin L

Hi everyone. I've run into a an etiquette conundrum and I need a bit of advice. My guy and I recently went and had lunch with girl we graduated from high school with about 10 years ago. I wouldn't say that lunch ended up a disaster, but it something neither my guy nor myself want to do again. About a week ago, she got in touch with my guy and said she wants to go get lunch again. How can we gracefully bow out? I don't want to be rude or hurtful, but I really don't want to spend another lunch with her.

13 years ago

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4 replies

Latest reply was from Kristin L

Anonymous

Just let it drop, put her off -- if she suggests a time, say it isn't possible. After a couple attempts she should get the hint.

13 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Yep, that's what I'd do. And this time of year, I might pull the old "We are booked up every weekend between now and the end of the year." If she says she'll call after the first of the year you can smile and nod and say "Umm" and then repeat "I'm sorry, we're not available." as necessary. The key is to not feel like you have to explain WHY you are busy. You are "busy" doing other things you would rather be doing, and the details are none of her business. Just repeat "I'm sorry, we're not available" until she gets the hint.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Yep, I'd make sure I was "busy" all the time, lol. No need to explain why you're busy or what you're doing with your time, though. Just keep a "full schedule."

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks so much! What y'all suggested was right in line with what I was thinking of doing. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't being too mean or anything like that.

13 years ago

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