£40 for a night I don't want

prowla

Why not just tell her you haven't got any money to spend?
(Surely the effort of making up the elaborate excuse isn't worth it.)

ChrisCobra

Pick up the phone call your mate , explain you cant afford it and so sorry you cant go and hope it goes well.

If they get mad at that then at least you found out what they are really like , so you will save money and make a discovery :P

Philippa36

I'd tell her that you'd rather save the babysitting for a night when you can have a girly night in or out together, because you don't have a lot of spare cash and would like to have a chance for a good gossip.

With your son going away, its a perfect reason for wanting to stay home.

BeenieCat

I don't think her telling the friend she can't afford it will solve it. I think friend will then either say she doesn't have to spend anything, or she'll lend her it (that's what my friends would say!).

I'm also a coward though so would make an excuse. i.e. swine flu, house fire, poorly child, headlice, that kind of thing :rotfl:

twink

i have been to one of those parties and everything is very expensive, i didnt buy anything

Lilith1980

I've been invited to a Body Shop one next week but won't be going, the main reason being because I'm not really a "girl's night in (or out)" type person and because I don't have the money to buy things unless I really need them.

I'd be honest and say you don't want to go due to finances and want to spend time with your son. If your mate gets the hump that's her problem.

Mrs.D

I really sympathise with you Jet! I hate these things.

A friend of mine gets invited to at least 2 of them a month. She always feels obliged to buy and moans about it.

The other week we were at her daughter's Christening. One of these 'friends' came up to her and I overheard the conversation... "sorry you missed the party... I know you'd want to buy something, so I've brought you the catalogue". She then bought some candles for £30.

To add insult to injury the same 'friend' later handed out invitations for another of the same party for next month, stating "it went so well last time" :rotfl:

Maybe just nip it in the bud now? If you can't face doing it face-to-face, maybe a note or card explaining that you don't particularly enjoy the sales element? Your friend will be able to digest this in her own time. Yes, she may complain behind your back, but I think most of the people she complains to wish they had the courage to say no!

annie_d

Hmmm, honesty is not always the best policy. Feign illness on the night.

Tulip

my friend once invited me to an Ann Summers party and I said I am sorry but I cant go.She accepted it very well and wasnt offended.Just say thanks for inviting me but I cant make it because my Son is going away next week but can we arrange to meet for coffee another time? I am sure she will understand your reasons but tell her soon.

Katie

frivolous_fay

If it was a case of going along for a friendly, girlie evening (and avoiding buying things you don't need) I'd go...

... but as it's actually going to cost you money even if you don't buy anything... I'd be crying off!