An open letter to my generation

Dear 26-33-year-olds:

I understand you. I am one of you. I understand that the concept of an RSVP may seem old-fashioned and restricting to you. I understand that you may have forgotten to respond, haven’t seen the invitation yet, or may have gotten busy. All of those have happened to me a few times, but to be honest with you, most of the times I’ve waited until the last minute to respond to an RSVP (the key point here is that I did respond), it’s been because I’ve been waiting to see what else might come along.

And I know that’s what you’re doing, too, when you don’t RSVP. But I’m going to be frank with you. That’s rude. And selfish. And shows absolutely no concern for anyone other than yourself. The words I’d like to say: It’s not all about you. Odds are, something better isn’t coming along. If you’d stop and think, you’d find that you’re sending a very clear message to whomever extended the invitation that they aren’t important to you, that they aren’t good enough to hang out with and/or warrant a response, and feeding the fear that most of us harbor that as soon as you get the chance, you’re going to leave for something “better.” My final words to you on this are these: your actions show what is important to you. You get to decide. Make sure that you can live with the consequences.

In addition to that, your inability/refusal to respond is inconsiderate to whomever is planning the event. Because, guys, if someone is asking you for a RSVP, he/she is asking FOR A REASON. Because he/she needs to know how much food to have, how many favors to buy, needs to make a reservation, or whatever. People aren’t generally asking for a RSVP just because they like counting. I mean, there could be people like that, but I’m thinking they are way in the minority.  So when you don’t respond to a RSVP either way or don’t respond and still show up, you’re actually being rude. And causing the planner undo stress.

This appears to be a big problem with our generation. I honestly don’t know why. I was raised by people who taught me that if you said you were going to do something, you did it—even if “something better” came along. And that’s something I generally try to live by, even though I sometimes don’t exactly follow through 100 percent. But it worries me that as a generation we’re so selfish and unsatisfied that we are always looking for the “something better” opportunity. Because that says something about us, and I’m not quite sure it’s a good thing.

So the next time someone asks you to RSVP to something, respond. Even if you’re saying no. And for one weekend, stop looking for something better. Be content with the opportunities you have. Spend some time with the people who have been constants in your life. I personally don’t think you’ll regret it.

Resolving to be more proactive about answering RSVPs, Mandy