How to politely decline an invitation in any situation

Sometimes you have to—or simply want to—say no. Here’s how to decline an invitation the right way and limit hurt feelings.

Saying 'yes' to being a wedding guest now costs as much as a month’s rent — how to say ‘I don’t’ to going into debt for someone else’s big day

For example, let's say you create a budget and figure out that if you cut back on spending between now and the big day, you ...

How Nidiyah Salahuddin helps Black brides embrace curly hair and look regal on their big day

Bridal stylist Nidiyah Salahuddin blends tradition, talent, and intention to help Black brides embrace natural hair, ...
Loveland Reporter-Herald

Asking Eric: Baking favor leads to salty feelings

A reader asks if his girlfriend is too sensitive for feeling snubbed after being asked to provide dessert for a bridal shower ...

Asking Eric: My girlfriend was asked to bake for a bridal shower but didn’t get invited

Dear Eric: As we approach the holidays, I am faced with a dilemma. A few individuals on my Christmas card list suffered the devastating loss of a spouse in the past couple of years. It seems perverse ...

Asking Eric: Request for baked goods leaves bad taste in mother-in-law’s mouth

DEAR ERIC: There is a column about a person’s father who likes to complain at restaurants (“Out to Eat”). My father is very ...

Asking Eric: I have to call ahead to warn about my father’s bad behavior

My dad’s behavior at restaurants is distasteful. Having a direct conversation about it is not an option, so I’ve developed a ...

Asking Eric: My dad embarrasses me at restaurants

"If my dad leaves a small tip, I will pretend to go to the bathroom and give the server some additional money to make up the ...

Asking Eric: Here’s how I warn a restaurant about my father’s bad behavior

Dear Eric: As we approach the holidays, I am faced with a dilemma. A few individuals on my Christmas card list suffered the ...

Asking Eric: Asked to provide a dessert but offered no invitation to party

My daughter-in-law’s mother asked my girlfriend to make a dessert for another daughter’s bridal shower. My girlfriend made a ...
The Boston Globe

Baking favor leads to salty feelings

Q. My daughter-in-law’s mother asked my girlfriend to make a dessert for another daughter’s bridal shower. My girlfriend made a tray of lemon bars, so it wasn’t a huge undertaking for her. The issue ...