DEAR MISS MANNERS: A childhood friend is in town for two weeks with her kid. I suggested a few things that may be fun for kids: zoo, aquarium, etc.
She wants me to watch a movie with them, but does not want to meet before or after the movie, as she wants to hang out with other friends then.
Is there any point to catching up in a movie theater where we can’t even talk? It would have been different if it were the kid’s recital or sports event, but this sounds like an “I don’t want to meet you” invitation.
GENTLE READER: Indeed. Miss Manners supposes that you are lucky the friend did not suggest dropping off the kids with you and not attending altogether. She recommends you head off that option by saying, “It sounds as if you have a busy two weeks. Perhaps we can make plans the next time you are in town and have more opportunity to talk and catch up.”
(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.)