DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I invite a guest, sometimes before they accept my invitation they say they need to see what's going on that night. Should I rescind the offer so I can invite someone I know will come?
I'm not sure I like the "maybe, man" attitude. I would either decline or accept. There should be no middle ground. Am I wrong?
GENTLE READER: Your response should be, "Well, perhaps another time." However, Miss Manners does not recommend that you name another time -- ever. Why would you want to entertain someone who so clearly hopes that something better will come along?
(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.)