How To Say You’re Still Not Comfortable Going To A Big Event
COONABARABRAN, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Farmers Emily Doolan and Joe Read are married in the Catholic Church in Coonabarabran on October 01, 2020 in Coonabarabran, Australia. During the height of Australia’s recent drought the Doolan family, who are 4th generation farmers, property turned to dust. After consistent rains this year across NSW the property has rebounded. During the worst of the drought, both the children of Ambrose and Lisa Doolan, Brett and Emily, returned home to work on the farm. Emily now resides on the property next door, and was today married to Joe Read, another local farmer. The wedding had been delayed first due to drought, then COVID-19. The newlyweds returned home to their small house amongst the now lush fields. In a major turnaround for the family, Ambrose was recently appointed the mayor of Coonabarabran. Farmers across NSW are enjoying a bumper harvest following drought breaking rains during the Australian winter. Above average rainfall between March and August has helped NSW emerge out of a prolonged drought, with winter crop production expected to increase year on year by 60 per cent. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a ‘La Niña’ weather pattern in the coming months, which further increases the prospects of consistent rainfall across the country. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
We’ve been living through this pandemic for a LONG time now and some folks are understandably ready for life as we knew it to resume. While some are ready to be socializing again, not everyone is ready to attend in-person events and plenty of people will be completely understanding about that, but others will push back. They’ll insist their big event will be safe because it’ll be outside and everyone will wear a mask and be super safe, but what if you still don’t feel comfortable going? This is how to politely, but firmly, decline their invitation.
- Remember, we are still in a pandemic – Yes, we’re a few months into the vaccine rollout, but we’re not in the clear yet. So if someone gives you the old “but COVID is basically over” and says lots of guests will have had their first dose of the vaccine, don’t let it guilt you into going if you’re not comfortable. People do “have to live their lives,” but just because you’re not ready doesn’t mean “you’re making too much of this,” even if someone says you are.
- Don’t accept the invitation just to avoid conflict – It may be hard to tell your cousin you can’t go to her wedding, but don’t let the risk of potential conflict make you feel like you have to go. Unless your friends and family are actual experts on viruses or risk management, psychologist Dr. Aimee Daramus says try not to let their choices or views affect your health decisions.
- What to say when turning down the invitation – National etiquette expert Diane Gottsman recommends saying no as soon as possible and keeping it “short, sweet and polite.” Be sure to thank them for the invitation and say something like “Unfortunately, I’m still not comfortable traveling or being in crowds of any kind at this moment.” You can include that you appreciate their understanding and hopefully they will be understanding, but if not, you can feel good about declining in the best way possible and know you’re doing what’s right for you.
LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. LauRen is a former Miss Pennsylvania USA and is a proud wife and mother of two. She is the owner and chief editor for her fashion and lifestyle Blog “All Of The F-Words” and is a champion for the Autism community. You can read all about LauRen’s thoughts on motherhood, pageant life, and everyday life through her online content.
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