Dear Jacquelyn,

Neighbors invited me and my husband to a socially-distanced dinner. Initially, we accepted. But after taking into consideration the risks involved, given factors like age and underlying health conditions, we feel uneasy and want to decline. I called our friends and told them I did not feel comfortable having dinner at their home. How do you tactfully respond to social invitations without causing offense?

Dear Reader,

It’s alright to turn down an invitation. Everyone has a different comfort level and right now during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s still a very delicate time.

As warmer weather approaches, some might be tempted to throw a pool party or resume their wedding plans. You should not feel obligated to attend an event that doesn’t feel safe.

You definitely won’t be the only one declining an invitation because of coronavirus concerns. Most hosts will be understanding and not take a declined invitation as a personal snub.

Keep in mind when RSVP-ing, “No” has always been an option, pandemic or not, and you don’t necessarily have to give a reason. You can simply say “I am still being cautious, but I appreciate the invitation.”

You can add that you’d love to attend another gathering when the situation changes. The message here is that you should be polite, but you should not feel guilty for declining an event if you are uncomfortable.

Hopefully, anyone hosting a gathering will understand that this is not going to be a time where everybody is going to jump on that invitation.

Much like anything else, when an invitation is extended, it’s not an obligation for someone to attend.

The bad news is that saying “No’ to people is difficult.

The good news is declining graciously is all that’s ever required.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2020 Jacquelyn Youst