Anonymous wrote:I wish I had a neighbor who would invite us over for movies. It sounds fun. Not sure I understand what difference it makes whether it is in the basement or not. Some people don't have room for a big TV on their main floor. If the issue is that you don't know what to do with your child, that makes sense, and you just need to explain it. But I don't see why the "basement" should have anything to do with this.
ITA! In fact, some folks consign the TV to a finished basement or bedroom (and at least she didn't invite you there!) because they think it's tacky to have a huge, honking flat screen in the living room. Also, it could indeed be what's called a "media room" around here, with a big home theater. More likely, it's probably nicer than just the moldy couch and milk crates, or she wouldn't have invited you.
My guess is, she likes you guys well enough to suggest moving from formal neighborhood do's to something cheap, friendly and casual. We'd normally offer dinner at our house not a movie, but maybe she's thinking dinner too. Or maybe she's really bad at small talk, or doesn't want to spend dinner having it out with your crazy (insert political party here) DH. No reason to assume swinging at the mention of basements (who are you people?) or even r-rated movies, since she suggested bringing your kid along.
But if you don't like movies period, then you need to decide whether her request hasn't permanently destroyed your opinion of her. If you still think there's hope, then suggest something different like dinner.