DEAR MISS MANNERS: A close friend planned to throw a party themed around a pop-culture phenomenon she is passionate about, but that I have no interest in (and actually quite dislike). I initially declined to attend, but when her guest list grew too large for her planned venue, I agreed to allow her to use my larger home for it.
I thought I would make other plans that evening, but many of the attendees are my good friends, and I would love to see them before/after the main activity.
Is it rude to half-attend a party if it’s in my house?
GENTLE READER: Since you are the de facto host, why not just make yourself busy during that time, doing host-y things?
Any implication that you detest the phenomenon for which everyone has gathered will not be kindly met. Miss Manners suggests instead that you slip out quietly to “refresh the bar” and “replenish the food” — even if that takes the exact length of the event to accomplish.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
