Is it rude to say No

We have been social distancing and only hanging out with the neighbors outside. Kids don't really have too much contact.
Just started having a friend over of the boys here and there. 1 friend, outside for no longer than 2 hours with separate snack bags.

We were invited over to friends for a BBQ this Saturday with another family. Now I know we've hung with the neighbor families, but they don't see others either.
Now the two families have been going out, socializing and having contact. One of them tested positive for anti-bodies so they are really done with whole thing.

As much as we'd love to go I know these boys are all pretty physical and play contact sports, etc.
Am I being rude saying No we're not there yet, but they know we see the neighbor families and eventually we'll be together for some 5th grade graduation things coming up.
Ugh! This whole thing is so tough. I know people are either done or strict and I feel like we're still in between.

Re: Is it rude to say No

I don't think that at this time anything is considered rude.
Everyone has their own level of comfort.
I wouldn't be insulted if I invited someone over and they said they weren't ready yet- regardless of who else they were getting together with.

Re: Is it rude to say No

It’s not rude to say no. During this time everyone has a right to do what they feel comfortable with. No one should be judged wether they want to be locked inside, casually start getting out or are just done all together.

However, I feel like people still catch feelings and take it personally which they shouldn’t. I would decline with an excuse if they ask why. Granted a plain No, should be suffice, especially during this time but people still take things personally. Plus you will be eventually seeing them and hanging out with them in the future.

Message edited 6/11/2020 2:04:41 PM.

Is it rude to say No

Its never rude to decline an invitation.

Re: Is it rude to say No

Re: Is it rude to say No

Thanks all! Going back and forth I think we'll be ok. I think it's more about the boys and we'll keep an eye on them.
Just will still sit a little further and hang out a bit.
It's just such a sensitive subject now.

I know our friends would be fine and understand if we did say no.

I think we're leaning towards yes, but there are so many grey areas nowadays.

Is it rude to say No

It’s not rude and you don’t have to explain yourself. You do what’s best for you and if people can’t accept that then I would re-evaluate a friendship to be honest. People should just support each other, we all have different limits

Is it rude to say No

Just do what you're comfortable with. Honestly, I would think most people would phrase an invite with something like "If you're comfortable, we'd like to have some people over...."

Is it rude to say No

I don’t see how this would be considered rude...

Is it rude to say No

You need to do whatever makes your comfortable.

Re: Is it rude to say No

Not rude at all. I will be declining several party invites in the coming months. I think it would be easier to say No than to go to an event and spend the entire time feeling stressed and therefore making your host feel stressed.

So if you are feeling comfortable then go and have a good time but if you are not there yet then the host should understand.

Message edited 6/11/2020 8:22:50 PM.