I Have A Dilemma

[emmie]

been asked to Christmas dinner by a friend, which was a lovely surprise, so i said yes would love to, then last night my brother phoned, we had a nice long talk, and at the end of the conversation asked me if i want to come for Christmas. Where should i go, both are good but haven't see brother and rest of family for 6 months, so what would you do. any, all advice welcome.

[murraymints]

I would do brother..sure your friend will be delighted to know you will be with family xx

[NoMercy]

I'm sure your friend will understand if you spend Christmas with family.

If you're on your own, people will naturally invite you anyway as they don't want to see someone spending Christmas on their own and I'm sure no offence will be taken if you decide to spend it with family instead.

[Eleena]

Go to your brothers emmie x

[jno]

if you're in doubt this might be a time to try Freud's method: toss a coin. The minute it's in the air you'll know what side you really want it to come down.

But if you genuinely can't decide, then see your friend, as you accepted her offer first. (That's what I'd do anyway.) Maybe you could see your brother next day, or for new year?.

[emmie]

thanks, it means an expensive taxi ride there as can't manage bags, trains etc now, but admit would love to see them all.
My niece who recently got engaged will be there so nice to see her intended and the ring of course.

[Islay]

Phone your friend explain and say how much their invite means to you but you would like to go to your brothers.
Suggest meeting up with them after Christmas for a meal and to see the kids.

[Eleena]

Couldn't have put it better myself.

[emmie]

Islay
friend is coming to dinner next friday, i am doing three courses so will be like an early Christmas dinner. Will have to work out logistics and a few problems but thanks for the advice.

[naomi24]

It’s rude to cancel an already accepted invitation in favour of a subsequently received ‘better offer’. I’d go to the friend’s on Christmas Day and to the brother’s on Boxing Day.

[emmie]

Naomi i would but brother is 75 miles away, so i have to get a taxi and can;t manage.

[murraymints]

can you travel by bus/coach a few days before and stay for a while...

[Islay]

I am sure after your loss this year that your friend will understand, I would if I was that friend xx

[emmie]

haven't seen any of the family since mum's funeral in July, so it would be good to see them all, alas they all live in West Sussex so we don;t meet often.

[jno]

will your friend be alone if you don't turn up?

[emmie]

minty
not really, don;t think the coaches go down that way any more, both side of the family live quite out of the way.

[emmie]

jno
no friend has husband, two children, dad, sister, friend coming for dinner, so she won't be alone.

[murraymints]

possibility brother will collect you ?

[naomi24]

Well, you can't do a 75 mile taxi ride on Boxing Day, that's for sure. It would cost you a fortune. How about suggesting to your brother that you go to him for the New Year weekend?

[emmie]

don;t know what to do to be honest...

[naomi24]

Nice to be popular though, emmie. :o)