That Simple No

I am sure everyone of us has said it either once or have heard it being said  - ‘I hardly have time for myself; am so busy attending all the goings on in Colombo and having to recover thereafter.’  This oft heard statement is not made by those who are engaged in some form of employment but by the social birds of Colombo who feel that they must be seen at anything and everything they are invited to.  

When this statement is made to me, I respond by informing the person that he or she always has the benefit of regretting an invitation by simply saying a ‘no.’    People look at me askance when I say this to them and wonder whether I am either crazy or planning to send them to the gallows.  It seems that being seen at every function, launch, opening and funeral makes them feel and seem important. 

As one can imagine, if there are invitations going out for anything, Cafe Latte Society, as they are referred to, are longing to be invited.  One wonders how many of these invited to launches of shops, restaurants or any other such occasions spend a rupee in such establishments after being seen at the opening.  At the grand opening they will photograph themselves or have themselves photographed umpteen times without showing anything of the launch itself, and flood social media with the photographs for a few days after the event to show off their outfits and accessories.  This is after diving into all the nibbles and beverages served at the event and having widely criticized both thereafter.  

In the meantime, the owner of the establishment or product is taken up with all the publicity and expects that within a month the business will thrive and the establishment will be chock a block with all those who were invited and others they would bring in.  Sadly, what they do find out is that most of these posers do not even go past the entrance to the establishment.   
Many owners have now learned their lesson.  Grand openings with many invitees are now on the low.  The trend now is to have occasional functions for their top clientele in appreciation of their custom.  

As for all those who mourn that their social life is simply killing them owing to all these invites-  a simple ‘no’ will allow for some well-deserved 'me time's and relaxation.

• A simple ‘no’ will allow for some well-deserved 'me time' and relaxation