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How to say 'no' when invited to an uncomfortable event???

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You could burn their house down. Then they won't be able to have their party and your problem is solved.
 
Originally posted by: alkemyst
giftcard to walmart.
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Giftcard. Good idea.




Oh, so's stealing the silverwear. It's good for the next awkward event they invite you to. You could be like "Oh, we just remembered that someone stole your silverwear last time and we saw this on sale at Sky Mall" and they'll be like "NO WAYS! It's the same brand as our favorite silverwears that got stolen! You even got our initials engraved in it like our old set too! You poor people rulez!" *hugs* *snorgle*





 
in seriousness the ultra wealthy do not expect others to reach to their levels. Also they are more impressed with real gifts from the heart than just expensive store bought crap.

If they have a hobby get them something for it...stuff they can put in their office is great.
 
Yeah well, some people have more money than others.

The parents of a good friend of mine back in elementary and middle school were far wealthier than mine. Big house, two computers, even with Soundblasters, back when an ISA Soundblaster16 cost around $200. My thinking was simply, "He has better toys because his parents make more money," and that was it. No complaining to my parents about why they didn't go out and make more money, I figured that this is just the way it was.

Then a few semesters ago, my partner for the final exam (performing a scene from a play) Theater class also had very well-off parents. Once when we went to her place to rehearse the scene, she nearly apologized for it, and that she didn't want to make me feel like she was showing off the wealth; she just happened to be born to rich parents.


Maybe these people you know have some level of humility, and understand that their level of wealth is not typical. But I would also presume that you know them better than I do.
It only has to be awkward if you make it awkward.


As for a gift, I've got no advice there. I suck at buying gifts for my own family. 😱

 
People are staring at me at work, I'm just about crying laughing at:

Oh, so's stealing the silverwear. It's good for the next awkward event they invite you to. You could be like "Oh, we just remembered that someone stole your silverwear last time and we saw this on sale at Sky Mall" and they'll be like "NO WAYS! It's the same brand as our favorite silverwears that got stolen! You even got our initials engraved in it like our old set too! You poor people rulez!" *hugs* *snorgle*
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Anyways, I demand an update on how it went!!
 
Originally posted by: waffleironhead
Way to assume they are not down to earth people by how much money they make. People are people, why not go to this one event and see what it is like before assuming that you will be out of place. It seems to me like you are just acting socially awkward.
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this.


and as for the present thing, if its for a kid, let your kid decide what to get. if its a "thanks for inviting me" gift for the parents, booze always works. people get too uptight about that invisible line between "rich" and "poor" classes, just meet them eye-to-eye and see how it goes.
 
Most people are not as assy as you think. If fact, many people with $$$ that have events like this are doing so to let other people enjoy their money. I like going to events hosted by people with bucks because the food is always top notch, I get cool decorating ideas, and who knows---the networking could turn into a better job one day.
 
I grew up can't-make-the-groceries-bill broke (musician dad) and 5-star-hotel-vacation rich (.com boom headhunter dad).
Since I got out on my own, I've been this-cellphone-bill-mistake-is-putting-me-on-the-streets poor and that-$100-bottle-of-wine-looks-good rich.

The best friends are the ones who don't care and don't compare. I've got friends that have been unemployed (and skill-less) for a year and friends who drop $800k on a new house like it's nothing. The quality of their friendship and how much I enjoy their company is really all that matters to me. Oh, and I enjoy sharing good food and good wine with good friends, no expectation of return from either those that can or those that can't afford it.

As far as gifts, people with good manners, the type of people you want to spend time with, appreciate the thought and effort in anything you bring, even if it's just a card. Anyone who invites you because of the size or price of the gift they expect you'll bring deserves the disappointment they will sometimes get.

If you really don't want to go anyway, just say, "I'm sorry, we won't be able to make it but I hope you have a really great time!"
 
By the way.... one of the reasons they invited you is that they probably want to see what sort of people you are since your daughters are friends and this is an easy way to do it.

Has their daughter been over to your house yet?
 
go so their daughter knows how priviledge she is...




....to not have stuck up parents who judge others by how much they are worth.
 
The lack of an update can only mean it was a ruse to get OP's family there so they could be released onto the 50 square mile property to be hunted like animals by the rich family with crossbows who can only experience emotional pleasure by hunting down innocents.
 
You're sacrificing to send your kid to a private school so that you can better her chances for a good life. Part of that includes broadening her social prospects, you guys need to go to these kinds of things every time you get a chance.
 
Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
Some of the best friends I've had in life have been much poorer than me. You really shouldn't hold this against them, I never did. It's kind of like being too good looking, people assume that those kind of people don't need friends because they should be popular and have many friends and lovers due to their good looks. But often the opposite it true. Give them a chance.
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Wouldn't know, never been too good looking or too rich. I guess I'll have to take your word on it.:laugh:
 
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