DEAR MISS MANNERS: Every year, my husband and I host a potluck Christmas party in our home. We spend considerable time sending out written invitational flyers and decorating our house.
We ask that everyone RSVP, and many do. However, there are some who do not acknowledge the invitation and do not attend. Others do not acknowledge it, but then they do attend.
With all the various avenues for communication these days (phone, text, email, Facebook message, etc.), do you find it unacceptable that people ignore the RSVP? Should I remove them from the party list?
GENTLE READER: Sure. With those who ignored both the invitation and the party, you’ll achieve the same effect as if you had invited them.
As this is an annual party, Miss Manners assures you that the errant guests will complain that they have not received invitations. Then you can say, “Oh, would you like to attend? My list says you didn’t respond last year, so I didn’t think so.”
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)