| I’m probably not as warm of a person as most, I can’t think of a time I’ve said “I want you to come” probably because I don’t want to impose or guilt anyone into attending. I usually say “your welcome to come” so that it’s completely the recipients decision and no ill will either way. |
Agree. I say you’re welcome to come often because I don’t want them to feel obligated - especially if it’s a new friend. |
| welcome to come means come if you want, we don't really care one way or the other. |
| I think this distinction actually matters. I noticed it when I had a friend who only said “if you want to come...”. She happened to be an insecure person and dealt with all social plans this way. It made me realize I need to be direct in letting someone know I WANT them to come and hope they can make it. |
+1 I would assume that if I were invited I was wanted. |
| Reminds me of my third wife. |
| "You're welcome to come" sounds like you already are going through with the plans regardless of whether they come or not. Your plans don't hinge on them. It also seems distant and not familiar with the person because no one really speaks like that. "You should come!" is more encouraging. "You're welcome to come" seems like you think they aren't going to come, like it's a half fake invitation. |
+1. I would say that if I wasn’t sure they’d want to participate. |
| Glad to know I am not the only one who thinks that you’re welcome to come over is a blah way to invite someone over. I think it sounds like they could care less if you come or not. It gives me a feeling of no importance. |
+1 |
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For me it context is important. Here is how I'd use both in a genuine manner.
Talking about the beach with a friend. Me : we are headed there Saturday Friend: oh nice im trying to figure out a day. Me: well if you're free. I'd love for you to join us. Not talking about beach and I bring it up out of no where Me: we are headed to the beach Saturday. I'd love if you can join! |
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I think "you're welcome to come" is an invitation that's not pushy. I think "I want you to come" is something you say to a relative or close friend. You wouldn't say that to an acquaintance or a neighbor.
"You're welcome to come" could be a grudging invitation but it all depends on context. |
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"you're welcome to come" sounds like ... you really, really are wanting to come, and I'm here to tell you, it's ok with me.
Host sounds arrogant. |
I say "you're welcome to join us" when I see someone I know in a restaurant who is obviously alone. It's my way of asking them to join us but realizing they may not wish to. So it gives them an out. If I say "please join us" it's a bit more emphatic, and they might feel awkward saying no even if they wanted to eat all alone and not with us. |
It's not really an invitation. You would say it only on a spur of the moment occasion. Sitting down at the beach, see a friend, and say "hey! you're welcome to join us!" They don't have to, but I'm letting them know they can if they want to. I don't think it's a "blah" invitation. I'd NEVER invite someone to dinner that way. I'd say, "Please come for dinner" letting them know I want them to come. |