DEAR ABBY: I am a woman in my 40s, married with two children. I am always getting invited to someone's bridal or baby shower. I loathe these events. I think they're a total waste of time. There are always stupid games guests have to participate in, and the nonsensical chatter is more than I can take. On top of that, the take-home gifts and door prizes are almost always tacky and cheap.
Am I alone in feeling this way? Do other women hate them, too? Most of the time, if I can, I decline the invitation (and send a gift if it's family). I just want off the invitation lists. Help! -- GROUCH IN NEW YORK
DEAR GROUCH: Some people enjoy these parties because they are acquainted with many of the other guests, and it gives them a chance to catch up. Others attend out of a sense of obligation or to support the honoree on a happy occasion. While you can't stop the invitations from being issued, if you continue to be unavailable, I predict that eventually you will receive fewer of them.