Woman wants folks' permission to be a mom
I hosted the last one slightly stoned, but that didn't help.
I've suggested trying a different inexpensive restaurant now and then. Nope.
I've suggested less frequent gatherings. Nope.
I've made excuses for not attending, but they adjust the date to accommodate me.
These are basically nice people. How do I excuse myself from these dinners without hurting anyone?
-- SOS!
Dear SOS!: Look at this from a different perspective: Is it fair to these neighbors to continue to subject them to your scrutiny and judgment? Do they deserve your contempt? Perhaps, but let them off the hook, already!
Give them a declarative and polite send-off.
You should send out an email to the group and say, "It has been a nice experience sharing dinners with you, but I think my ability to enjoy and contribute to the gatherings has run its course, so I'm going to have to exit from the group. Thank you so much for inviting and including me. I feel lucky to have you as neighbors and friends."
Dear Amy: "Still Standing" described wedding officiants who get certified via the internet as "fly-by-night" officiants. Many times these people have special connections to the marrying couple. You should have challenged this.
-- Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: "Fly-by-night" means "unreliable." You are correct that this is a misnomer.
However, "Still Standing's" point was that their lack of experience can cause unintended consequences.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
