Summertime is the most active time for social and business activities.  However, responding to invitation to attend these activities seems to be misunderstood.  There seems to be a void in most people’s understanding How (or why) to RSVP to an invitation.  I am finding from the discussions I am having with people that responding to an invitation has become a pain the ass.  So I thought I would explain directly on how easy (and important) it is to respond to an invitation .

Not Interested!?!

There are a number of reactions a person has when receiving an invitation.  The first reaction usually has to deal with their Interest.  Are they interested or not.  So, for those who react to NOT being interested in attending the activity, the proper response to the RSVP would be… “No, I can’t make it”.   Or some form of reply that indicates you are not attending.  

Now did that hurt?   Didn’t think so.  But what if you are interested in the activity, the next step would be to check the date.  

Conflict in Date!?!

The next reaction deals with the calendar and time management.  If the date of the activity is booked with a full schedule or conflicts ,then the proper response to the RSVP is, “Sorry, I am not available”.  The reason why is not important, just the response. 

Still, that response was not stressful, was it?

I Will Be There

Now if the date is clear then proper response is, “Yes, I will be there”.

Maybe?

There are a few incidences where responding with a Maybe is appropriate.  In a case where the activity is months away changes in your scheduled could conflict, then responding with “Maybe, Please check back in two weeks” would be very appropriate.

So, now, was that hard?  I didn’t think so.  So, why are there so many people who do not respond to RSVP?

Here are some of the responses I have received from people recently that provides some explanation why RSVP are not responded to which generates other concerns.

I thought you RSVP when you are not attending.

RSVP? What is that?

I never respond to RSVP..too old school.  I’ll make it or not.  I am sure they plan for more people attending than respond so it is no big deal.

I don’t want to appear to be negative by responding with I am not attending so I do not respond.

I am just too busy to respond to every invitation I get.

I am sure if I don’t respond they will get the hint that I am not interested in the person who sent the invitation or the activity.

They never responded to my invitation, why should I respond theirs.

I don’t want to hurt the hosts feelings by responding that I am not attending.

They will get over it. I’ll either be there or not.

I never respond until the day before the event just in case there is a better offer to attend something else.

So, think about  the next invitation you get.  Respond as soon as you get it.  Get it out of the way.  Saying No is expected as much as saying Yes…it is the response one way or the other that is needed for planning purposes so the activity can be organized for those who are attending.  Hopes this helps.