Um, this is so awkward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: “how about another time” response, when the person isn't sincere, makes them the nastiest person of all.

Right. PP here and was just saying I assume these are genuine and act accordingly. On the other hand, if someone says, “Oh thanks for the invite but we have other plans” and leaves it at that, I give up. I’m not asking again unless they ask me to do something first. Yes I don’t feel nearly as crappy as I would of o got the response OP did. Let’s me save face but I’ll take the hint. Others may need two or three rejections but they’ll get the hint eventually. The response given to OP was really only okay of OP has been extending invite after invite and can’t seem to take no for an answer.

[Anonymous]

No need to respond. I’ve gotten this response before from similar overtures. In that case, I assume that they do not want their child to be friends with mine or do not like me, and I move on.

I begged off of after-school play dates when my DS was in 1st because after work, I couldn’t juggle the picking kids up and couldn’t reciprocate given my work schedule. I try to be kind and appreciative in those cases. I would never say ‘not looking for friends’.

[Anonymous]

I like "wow, okay" or no response at all.

And I know I shouldn't but I would screenshot and send to all our mutual friends.

[Anonymous]

"Thanks so much for thinking about us, but we are pretty overwhelmed with the kids, covid and the holidays. Let's regroup in the new year? Happy Holidays"

It's not difficult to say thinks with less offensive manner.

[Anonymous]

This is what is wrong with America. OP, the women responding (except maybe a couple) and of course the rude person. Sure the rude person shouldn’t have sent that text, but OP you are a grown woman. Put this in perspective. Of all the things to be bothered out, is it worth it to dwell on this for more than a sec. You guys need to all mature.

[Anonymous]

There are so many better ways to say the same thing - I mean a pandemic is a great excuse! She could have just said ‘we are not doing social activities right now but thank you so much for thinking of us” like a normal person

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is what is wrong with America. OP, the women responding (except maybe a couple) and of course the rude person. Sure the rude person shouldn’t have sent that text, but OP you are a grown woman. Put this in perspective. Of all the things to be bothered out, is it worth it to dwell on this for more than a sec. You guys need to all mature.

I found the support for OP heartening. Most everyone was kind; feedback was empathetic and constructive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is what is wrong with America. OP, the women responding (except maybe a couple) and of course the rude person. Sure the rude person shouldn’t have sent that text, but OP you are a grown woman. Put this in perspective. Of all the things to be bothered out, is it worth it to dwell on this for more than a sec. You guys need to all mature.

Nope, what's "wrong with America" is that we have people who respond to rude, nasty behavior by delivering a lecture and telling the recipient that they "need to mature". This kind of thing needs to discouraged, not subtly empowered by people like you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is what is wrong with America. OP, the women responding (except maybe a couple) and of course the rude person. Sure the rude person shouldn’t have sent that text, but OP you are a grown woman. Put this in perspective. Of all the things to be bothered out, is it worth it to dwell on this for more than a sec. You guys need to all mature.

Nope, what's "wrong with America" is that we have people who respond to rude, nasty behavior by delivering a lecture and telling the recipient that they "need to mature". This kind of thing needs to discouraged, not subtly empowered by people like you.

Huh

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 3rd-grade DS is friends with another kid - has been since 1st grade. We hang out with the parents in a large group fairly often, maybe once a month or so, and we've had them to our house for dinner and vice-versa (pre-COVID). We really like them.

I texted the Mom to hang out outdoors by our fire pit this weekend. She texted me back, "Hi! Thanks. We really appreciate the invite, but at this stage, we're just not in the market for more new friends right now and don't have the time to juggle it all." I am MORTIFIED. Mortified. Mortified, as if I want the floor to swallow me whole. I feel like someone who asked a kid to dance at the prom and got rejected. I don't even know how to respond. Help????

Mortified over that? Lmao

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this person a first-generation immigrant? I find it odd that someone speaking native English will really text someone 'we're not in the market for new friends'.

I don't. Literally the only people I have ever heard talking this way about friends -- saying they aren't in the market, or can't fit in any new friendships, etc. -- are MC/UMC Americans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“I think it's weird because she made the leap to friendship when you just asked about a one time social get together not if you could stay at her house for a week.”

Right? You didn’t say check your mailbox, I bedazzled matching sweatshirts for us!

People are doing one time social get togethers during a pandemic with casual friends?

Their kids are friends. Try to keep up.

[Anonymous]

I would be irritated, but would just respond "ok. Hope that does not extend to the kids, as Jimmy enjoys hanging out with Jack."

[Anonymous]

Now that you know what she’s like, do you want to be friends with her? What a jerk!

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised that with behavior like that this woman HAS any friends.