Etiquette Tuesday: Not Invited.

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood

This week’s Etiquette Tuesday returns with a lesson that took me years to learn.  In the past I have been guilty of inviting myself places and this week’s tip points to that:  the uninvited guest.  If you have not been invited by the host, consider that your invitation not to go to whatever event is on the table.  Nine times out of 10, the host has thought out exactly who they want to attend that particular event so inviting yourself to it just makes them uncomfortable in trying to figure out how to tell you that they do not want you there.  Make everyone’s life easier and simply accept the fact that you were not invited and should consider making other plans during that time.

Now there are exceptions to every rule and in this instance it is more acceptable to invite yourself based on your relationship with the person i.e. best/close friend, parent, etc.  In most cases, these people expect you to show up to their events without invitation.  Outside of considering the individual hosting the event that you would like to invite yourself to, you should consider the event itself.  Weddings, birthday celebrations and/or dinner parties are considered more intimate and should be left to the host/guest of honor to extend direct invites.  Cookouts and the like lend themselves to a more casual “come one, come all” kind of vibe, though they can be quite intimate as well.

Lesson:  Wait for the invitation.  If you do not get an invite from the host/guest of honor, make new plans.  You will fare better in an environment where you have not strong armed your way into attending.

Tags: dining etiquette, Etiquette Tuesday

Category: Etiquette Tuesday