how long do you usually stay when invited over for dinner?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As soon as the host/hostess yawns, that's my hint to leave.[/quote

Generally, this is good advice. But would be terrible for my guests b/c I'm usually yawning at all occasions after 7pm. I'm usually in bed by 9, so socializing after 8pm taxes me. But that doesn't mean I don't want to and don't enjoy it anyway!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:we only invite poeple we like to be around and we let them know, stay as long as you want, sit down take off your shoes make yourself at home and they do. the kids play and when things go downhill, then they leave but at our house, you are wlecome to come early and stay late-

Whoa whoa whoa, you have your guests take their shoes off? what kind of heathen are you? (just kidding, really, we don't need another shoe thread)

[Anonymous]

Kids max out after a certain amount of time. OP, especially if the host/ess has kids your age, they should know this. They should be sensitive to it as part of inviting you. After that amount of time, it becomes no fun for anyone. Blaming a party for being late is no excuse.

If you are told to be there at (for example) 5 pm, dinner should start a half hour later MAX in the interest of those involved, say 5:30. Then you can enjoy dinner and the kids are fed and can enjoy playing and enjoy their visit. Pretending the kids are not going to melt down is not helping anyone and not an option! I would say outta there by 7 at the latest.

Even my MIL, who is the epitome of no common sense, knows this, and expects those with young children to bail after an hour or two and plans accordingly. We're not all there to watch you cook, anyway.

The kids aren't even interested in the food, and as much as the parents want to see each other, it becomes no fun when everyone is tired and hungry. Isn't this rule number one of parenting 101 anyway?

If you really want me there, be sensitive to the fact that it is not our kids house and after a certain hour they (like me) are simply more comfortable and happier in their own home. It's not really a big deal, don't make it one.

We used to have formal dinner parties every month, and it was great fun, but with kids, it is in fact very different, like it or not.

[Anonymous]

If you really want me there, be sensitive to the fact that it is not our kids house and after a certain hour they (like me) are simply more comfortable and happier in their own home. It's not really a big deal, don't make it one.

We used to have formal dinner parties every month, and it was great fun, but with kids, it is in fact very different, like it or not.

I'm positive I don't want you at my party.

[Anonymous]

19:22 - I would not worry about that if I were you. No thanks.