Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They shouldn't be offended, few people would be. But why are you afraid to travel by yourself, OP? A couple of days in Europe attending a wedding sounds divine, especially if you are fond of your cousin.

I really hate flying and it feels like a lot to go alone for just two days, rent a car, a hotel room alone...I dread it! The reception part would be fun of course, my whole family would be there, but I know myself and I will be anxious about the rest.

If your whole family is going to be there can't you coordinate the parts you're anxious about doing alone so that you're not alone? I'm in my 40s and just last spring went to a wedding with my parents. I was just a rider in the rental car my dad booked. Had we been coming from the same city we would have taken the same flight. We stayed at the hotel together and had all of our meals together. You don't need to be alone just because your immediate family isn't going. What about a sibling or other cousin who is also leaving their spouse and kids at home?

This.

OP, totally fine to decline, it isn't convenient and they know that.

If I were you, I would be more concerned that you are letting some logistics (that could be made more fun by doing with a family member) get in the way of doing something you would otherwise enjoy and participating in a nice family memory. Sure, I can give you 100 excuses for why this is NBD. Only you know yourself and whether you regularly avoid fun/nice things for your self, whether you regularly let minor inconveniences stop you from enjoying social experiences, etc. Be honest with yourself about the answer to that and if this isn’t a pattern, then don’t give it another thought. If it is a pattern - give that different thought some weight and decide what to do.

Anonymous wrote:Geez Op ~ people decline invitations all the time. Nothing unique or special here.

But it was a beautiful invitation.

Of course it is fine to decline.

If you can afford it, I would go. Going solo to Europe sounds amazing.

Some of the best times I have had were going to events solo and I loved being in a hotel room solo. No husband and no kids bothering me. It was lovely.

Geez Op ~ people decline invitations all the time. Nothing unique or special here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They shouldn't be offended, few people would be. But why are you afraid to travel by yourself, OP? A couple of days in Europe attending a wedding sounds divine, especially if you are fond of your cousin.

I really hate flying and it feels like a lot to go alone for just two days, rent a car, a hotel room alone...I dread it! The reception part would be fun of course, my whole family would be there, but I know myself and I will be anxious about the rest.

If your whole family is going to be there can't you coordinate the parts you're anxious about doing alone so that you're not alone? I'm in my 40s and just last spring went to a wedding with my parents. I was just a rider in the rental car my dad booked. Had we been coming from the same city we would have taken the same flight. We stayed at the hotel together and had all of our meals together. You don't need to be alone just because your immediate family isn't going. What about a sibling or other cousin who is also leaving their spouse and kids at home?

I'd go by myself and have a blast! Did this with a wedding in a place that takes 24 hours to get to and took a solo 10-day vacation sans family. It was great!

Anonymous wrote:A wedding is not a summons, and anyone planning a wedding that is far from many of the guests (destination or otherwise) can't be upset when people can't come. Go if you want to, don't if you don't. Send a gift and plan to see them next time they're in the US if you want to.

A wedding *invitation* is not a summons, sorry

A wedding is not a summons, and anyone planning a wedding that is far from many of the guests (destination or otherwise) can't be upset when people can't come. Go if you want to, don't if you don't. Send a gift and plan to see them next time they're in the US if you want to.