Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 21:44     Subject: Party etiquette

This is some crazy middle school tit for tat.

If you like them, invite them. If you don't like them, don't invite them.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 21:10     Subject: Party etiquette

Are you sure they are having one this year? Are you also sure it hasn’t morphed into some sort of family only graduation party or baby shower? Invite them if you think they’ll add joy to your party.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 21:01     Subject: Party etiquette

Don't be petty. Invite them.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 20:33     Subject: Party etiquette

How do you know they are having a party? We had an annual Christmas party for years but now it is more episodic and we often have people asking us if the party is on if they haven't received an invite.

They've already accepted your invite for this year, so invitations for a party next year is not a decision you need to make today.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 20:28     Subject: Party etiquette

Your party isn’t for a year so see how it goes.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 20:07     Subject: Re:Party etiquette

Eh, i'd like it slide if only for one year. But are you sure they are having the party?
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 19:48     Subject: Party etiquette

I'd tell my kids that party invitations are not necessarily reciprocal; and I'd hope I'd operate the same way myself. Unless there is a capacity concern, I'd be the bigger person and invite. If it continues, maybe reconsider.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 19:43     Subject: Party etiquette

OP, how are you so certain they are having this party - the one you're not invited to?
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 19:33     Subject: Party etiquette

"Generally like the DH. The DW can be a lot."

Sounds like you don't truly care for them and they may feel the same way. They come because you invite them and aren't that bad, but they could take or leave you.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 19:07     Subject: Party etiquette

The more people invited to your party, the better. Summer house means outside mostly? Damn, I’d invite EVERYONE to my beach house. Now is not the time to be petty but to have a good time! Be magnanimous and inclusive. Invite your hair dresser. The cleaning people. The lawn guys. Your kids teachers. This could be the best party of the year! Have fun and show your kids what it means to be a good hostess.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 19:00     Subject: Party etiquette

I wouldn't invite them.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 19:00     Subject: Party etiquette

I would not invite them.

Why in the world would you do that after they gave you a clear signal they are not interested in socializing with you?
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 18:58     Subject: Party etiquette

Anonymous wrote:If you want to be immature, go ahead and don't invite them.


I get that. But why should I invite someone who does not want to reciprocate the hospitality?
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 18:57     Subject: Party etiquette

If you want to be immature, go ahead and don't invite them.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2026 18:54     Subject: Party etiquette

We bought a beach house some years back after we moved to a new city some years prior to that. Many parents from our kids' school at that time have had places there, some for decades. Every summer we've thrown a party and invited these parents along with some other friends. One of these school couples invited us to their summer party for two years, but have not this year even though they have accepted our invitation. We also saw them socially when our vacation locations overlapped, etc. earlier this year. Our DCs are friends. Generally like the DH. The DW can be a lot.

DH thinks there is probably some mix up while I am not so certain. We are having a milestone event next year and I am now inclined not to invite them. Feels petty but this also feels petty.