Allergies: These can be catered for simply. Current illness: A simple date shift will mean you still have to turn up. Blaming it on aches and pains is silly! They will suggest a non-active activity! Blaming it on sickness is unwise! They might say that they aren’t overly freaked out about germs.
Use the acronym SICMI. This means “sorry i can’t make it”. If they ask, you simply reply with what it means.
Here is an example email invite and decline: Invite: “Tracey, How have you been? I am very excited about the upcoming ballet recital. We hope to see you there! I was thinking that it would be fun to get together sometime at my house. Let me know what days work for you. Thursday, Friday, and the 7th work for us. Let me know if you have any other days also! Jenny” Decline: “Hello, Jenny! I’m looking forward to the recital also. Lilly is dragging me from store to store trying to find purple tights and green leotards! Hard to find! Thank you for the invitation. I am sorry, but I cannot make it. I really appreciate the offer I look forward to seeing Janice perform on Tuesday! How is your father-in-law’s shoulder? We are all praying for him! Have a good weekend! Tracey”
JENNY: “Oh yes! Janice is really excited about the recital! TRACEY: “Lilly is, too! J-Oh speaking of the girls, I was wondering about a playdate for Lilly and Janice. I can do Saturday or the 8th. T: Sorry, Jenny. I can’t get together. I appreciate it though. " J: “Way to go, Tracey!
