The Art of RSVP'ing

Recently I read a blog post that was floating around Facebook, " 6 Reasons my Husband and I Probably Won't Attend Your Event...". It is about how one woman feels regarding events and her family life. Although some of her comments may be funny, the jist of the article rubbed me the wrong way. Before I start my response, if you dont know me, I am married with a toddler (14 months).  If you haven't read it, go ahead, otherwise you may not know what I am referencing. 

Just to recap, the  reason for writing the blog was because the author missed two “important events” that she  was "actually invited to, RSVPd for, and expected to attend”. 

Now here is the point of my response… Don’t RVSP “yes” to an event unless you know you are definitely able to attend. The art of RSVP’ing seems to have fallen by the wayside. But if you have ever planned a wedding or a big party, you should know that big events are not cheap. You have to account for food, place settings, materials, equipment and so much more. When you say you are going to an event, and then don't go, you caused the host a great deal of money. It is absolutely inconsiderate to respond  to an event and then not go (unless you have an emergency). 

Ok, now to to touch on the topics that were discussed in the blog listed above... 

• Yes, kids are unpredictable, and often cause glitches in plans, but once again, if you dont have a reliable stack of babysitters lined up, just don't plan to go to the event. At least book a babysitter before you send in your rsvp. You know you have a kid before you RSVP. 

• Yes, Kids are exhausting and will leave you tired, but I can almost guarantee, a night out sans baby is good for the soul. People underestimate the power of a date night. For me, it is just as/if not , more refreshing than sleeping.

• Even if you are married, you do not have to skip an event if your partner is busy. For example, this November, I will be attending a wedding of a close friend and my husband cannot get off work. I love my husband, but just because he cannot go, doesn’t mean i should skip the event.

• The authors 5th point just kills me. She states that she has a “financial budget and priorities"  yet by not showing up to someones event that she rsvped  “yes” for,  she is causing her friend's money. Parties and weddings are not cheap for the person throwing them. Just because they are spending money on an event doesn’t mean the host wants to toss money down the drain. 

• The 6th point really makes me disgust the author. “ We just dont want to go!” Is the worst excuse I have ever heard… Once again, lady, YOU said you were going to the event, and RSVP’ed yes… maybe you should have thought about that before you responded “Yes”.

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to become a recluse who is inconsiderate of others feelings and expenses. Kids are hard, i won’t deny that, but it is people like this who ruin all the fun for parents everywhere. If you are a parent who wants to stay home and sleep, good for you. There is nothing wrong with that. All you non parent friends out there, please don't assume that just because your friends have kids means they can’t go out or come to your party. Thank God for babysitters. Please remember next time your rsvp to someones event, there is really a point to it… save your friends trouble and be straightforward.