Pricey Eric: A comparatively new pal has invited me to a 3rd dinner at her residence, and I don’t need to attend. Her first two meals have been merely not well-prepared and never good.
One meal included fish that had an unappetizing odor as she fried it and in addition had an disagreeable “off” style after I tried to eat it. She additionally served barely heat, bland mashed potatoes and overcooked, unseasoned greens. No butter or sauces for something. After I helped her clear up after the meal, I positioned the leftover fish into the fridge. I might inform the inside was not very chilly. Maybe the fish had been sitting within the fridge raw for too lengthy a time and was starting to spoil.
The second meal at her residence consisted of hummus that had been sitting out uncovered so lengthy it had began to develop a crust. Additionally, there have been crackers and plain, overcooked broccoli to eat with the hummus. I ate solely a small quantity at every meal, telling her I used to be not very hungry.
Since I’ve determined to not eat one other meal that she has cooked, I have no idea easy methods to inform her I’m not occupied with a 3rd invitation to dinner.
She has requested me to select a date after I can come. Aside from her cooking, she makes an excellent pal. How can I bow out gracefully from attending her residence for meals?
– Misplaced My Urge for food
Pricey Urge for food: You’ve painted fairly a vivid image. After studying this letter, I’m not hungry both. I can see why you don’t need to return.
Criticizing one other individual’s cooking is usually a tough factor. When you suppose there’s one thing technically awry, just like the temperature of her fridge, you’ll be able to alert her – and probably assist her keep away from sickness. Nevertheless it feels like the larger situation is one in all … properly, style.
I do hate being avoidant, however on this case essentially the most palatable path could also be to ask for one more exercise aside from dinner. Maybe, it’s a film or an outing as an alternative. You can even reverse the invitation and have her over. When you emphasize that you simply’re very occupied with spending time collectively, however you’d reasonably eat at residence, you honor her intention with out having to make an unsavory compromise.
Ship inquiries to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Field 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Comply with him on Instagram and join his weekly publication at rericthomas.com.
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