DEAR MISS MANNERS: While acknowledging gratitude for being invited to quite a few social events, how do I decline an invitation that I have little interest in attending? (Yes, I gladly attend special birthday celebrations and all 50th wedding anniversaries.)

“I’m sorry, I can’t make it” is honest, but does etiquette require valid reasons for absences? Such as, “Sorry, I’m having a baby that day” instead of, “No thanks, I’m not interested.”

“I’m sorry, I’m under the weather” might be OK to use (in truth, we are all “under” the weather), but only as a last-minute excuse, not for an advanced RSVP. I trust you understand my quandary.

GENTLE READER: Use any of those excuses, and someone is bound to post a picture of you enjoying yourself elsewhere, even if you were just caught with a fleet

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