Q&A for How to Decline an Unwanted Invitation to Someone's House

Tell them that you aren't really up for whatever they are doing. You could tell them that you already have plans, you're tired, or you just really aren't interested.

Just tell them, in no uncertain terms, dinner is not going to happen.

I use “Thanks very much, but I have plans”, or “That won’t work for me this time”, and continue with the conversation. If they ask why, just repeat what you’ve already said without giving a reason. Most people will stop asking after a couple of times. Do not be apologetic. You have the right to spend your time as you please. It may feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice, and people will respect you more.

You say, "Sorry, but I have to (insert activity that sounds realistic)."

If you value this person, you might want to make the effort to spend time with them, even if you don't want to. If not, just politely decline or ignore the invitation.

This situation is both annoying and awkward, especially when the neighbor is persistent or you keep running into them, like when out walking your dog. The best thing to do is to keep giving the exact same answer every time they ask. For example: “Thanks for the offer but I’m afraid it’s just not possible right now. I’m sorry. Well, I have to get going now!” . Smile semi-sympathetically and move on. If you keep giving the exact same answer, eventually they’ll get the message. Also try to avoid them if possible––good fences make good neighbors!

You would decline an invitation the same way as declining for any reason but you do not say the reason is because the place is dirty. Instead, simply say something like, "I would love to come but I am otherwise engaged at that time and cannot make it." However, if you keep being asked to the place, you might want to make a gentle suggestion about meeting somewhere else instead, perhaps saying something like, "It would be easier for me to meet you in the middle, such as X cafe, to save driving so far." Or, "I am sorry but I have a dog allergy and can't come but I could meet you at X cafe instead if you'd like."

You could say something like, "Thanks for the invitation, that was very kind of you but I can't make that arrangement. I am not inclined to attend lunch events, I am always too busy preparing my work for meetings/the afternoon, etc. Thanks for thinking of me though."