RSVP Rage: When People Forgo Etiquette 

 Dear friend who doesn’t RSVP,

Friend, you know that I am a planner. I love to organize, plan, come up with themes and have everyone “ooh” and “ah” over the final production. From baby showers and bridal parties to girls’ night get togethers and birthday parties, I am your go-to planner girl.

Yet, as fun as they are to dream up and execute, parties stress me the heck out.

I know planning any party should be a happy and exciting time. I have the knack for it and love doing it, but I know with planning comes stress and anxiousness.

Why?  Because I become a worrier.

I worry there will not be enough food.

I worry there will be too much food.

 I worry people aren’t having a good time.

 I worry no one will come.

I worry about appearing even more socially awkward than I already am.

But mostly, I get irked that people choose to not or forget to RSVP.

RSVP is a French acronym for “répondez, s’il vous plait” or PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU’RE COMING OR NOT SO I CAN GET A HEADCOUNT FOR THE FOOD, DRINKS, PARTY FAVORS, ETC.

If you can’t come, no worries! Please just let me know! That way I don’t have to wonder if you’re coming or hurriedly adjust my preparations if you do. I also wouldn’t have to harass you by phone and email reminding you to make a decision (because no one likes that). I don’t care how you get a hold of me– you can call, text, Facebook, or casually mention in person. Just don’t leave me hanging in RSVP limbo!

Why do people not RSVP? I simply can’t wrap my head around it.

Is there just no time to write a “yes, I can make it” or “no, but thanks for the invite” message? Is it because you forgot? Did you want to wait until the last minute? Maybe you didn’t think you’d have to!

Didn’t want to hurt my feelings? Wanted to leave it open until something better came along? Or, are you just incredibly inconsiderate?

I get it. Life gets busy and things come up, but still, it’s no excuse for poor etiquette.

I’m a mom of a toddler and an infant, I know it’s easy to put the invite somewhere and forget about it. I know how disorganized, discombobulated and exhausted you may be. I really feel you, girl. But, I ALWAYS make a point to contact the person who invited me and let them know what my status is – even if I can’t make it.

If you get an invite, a short and sweet YES or NO is all I need – it’s simple, really. It takes no more than five seconds. Just RSVP and move on. If you’re unsure, then please email me the situation and keep me informed before the “RSVP by” date, preferably.

Whether you have commitment-phobia, you legitimately forgot, you didn’t want to go, or you just thought you didn’t have to, PLEASE for the love of GOD help a sister out so I don’t lose my marbles.

Signed, 

A sincerely frazzled mom planner

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