DEAR ABBY: My sister asked if I would attend a women's conference with her. I hastily agreed, and we kind of dropped it until recently. The conference is eight months away and I just found out the location and who will be the speakers. After reviewing the information, I realize I'm not all that interested in attending.
When I told my sister, she became furious! I apologized for letting her down, but I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars to attend a conference I'm not that jazzed about. She's still mad at me, and I don't want to dismiss her feelings, but I feel that canceling eight months in advance is OK. We hadn't purchased tickets or made hotel reservations yet. Can you give me some advice? -- DON'T WANT TO GO
DEAR DON'T WANT TO: Your sister may have had more in mind than just the conference when she invited you to go with her. She may have wanted a bonding experience as well, which may be why she has reacted so strongly.
I agree that eight months in advance is sufficient notice that you want to cancel. It may smooth her ruffled feathers if you call your sister and suggest there might be something else you can do together that would be of greater interest to both of you.