My co worker invited me to her daughters 15th?

[Anonymous]

She invited me and I have to RSVP by today or at least that is what I told her. I want to go but then I don't because I'm not that close to her. Honestly I am shocked that she even invited me to go. I would still have to buy a dress and get a gift. Not sure why I am overthinking it maybe because I feel a little bad not taking my boyfriend, he said he is okay with it because I like to keep my relationship at work private because most people already know that we are dating plus I think it would be awkward, anyways my good friend said she can go with me so I'm thinking of going but I don't know why I'm overthinking it so much

[DishLady]

Some people invite co-workers to family functions as a means of indicating that they consider you part of their "work family" while others simply don't have enough family members nearby and so count on those with whom they interact at work or in the neighborhood to attend a few events in a show of support. In the case of the Quinceanera or Sweet 16 sort of events, the room is expected to be packed in celebration of the young lady whose bday it is, so parents WILL tend to invite as many people as possible.

If you're not comfortable going just state that you have a prior commitment.

[Asker]

Love this thank you !!

[Anonymous]

If you don’t know her very well then this may have been a thing where she invited several coworkers so no one felt left out. A lot of people do this, I remember at one point I was working at a place for about 8 months and a coworker had invited to her engagement party. I was surprised because I really only saw her in passing and maybe a chat here and there but not nearly close enough to invite to something like that. At least that’s what I thought. In any case though I imagine that is what your coworker did and so it’s really not a big deal
If you don’t feel comfortable going. I notice your age range and you may not be that happy at a 15th bday who isn’t family or you’re close to anyway.

[Asker]

I only see her here and there as well and we have had small chats. I know that another co worker or two will be going and I know them as well and I would be okay going but part of me wants to not go. I know I'm overthinking it but I part of me feels bad saying know that's what it is. Did you end up going to the engagement?

[Opinion Owner]

I didn’t go to the party but mainly because of my own hang ups. I wasn’t driving at the time and the event was like an hour away. In hindsight I probably could’ve carpooled with two of the other girls I heard were going but I lived like 15 mins in the opposite direction of where they’d even get on the road to start driving to the event (if that makes sense) so I felt like asking would be a burden. In general though I was really conflicted about going in a way that gave me bad anxiety, as I am also an avid overthinker lol. I didn’t want to go alone and I didn’t have a plus one, but fortunately you do with either your friend or your boyfriend.

If it gives you peace of mind you can always just go make an appearance for like an hour or less, drop off a gift card or something small and then be on your way. If you chose not to go though don’t beat yourself up, I really doubt she’d mind. My coworker didn’t seem to in my case.

[Asker]

Yes I am such a overthinker but I'm so used to being in uncomfortable places plus my friend already said she would go with me and you are so right I can just go for an hour or so and leave, thank you for that. I appreciate you taking the time to reply as it feels good to share with someone

[Opinion Owner]

No problem!💛

[Staximus]

You don't need to buy a dress, just don't dress like a bum

[Asker]

lol thank you

[AI Opinion]

Ah, the classic dilemma of whether to attend a colleague’s event! 🎉 Your thoughts on keeping your relationship private at work are spot-on, so taking a friend seems like a fab idea. Sometimes invitations can feel like a curveball, but they could be a nice gesture for bridging the work-friend gap. Going can open new social doors, but if it feels too much hassle, it’s okay to RSVP with a graceful pass. Go where you feel your fab self will shine the best, darling! 😉✨

[Anonymous]

This is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt, but typically people do this for the gifts. If this person doesn't' really know you well, doesn't invite you to other things like the occasional lunch or other parties, but when it's something where she or her child could benefit, all of a sudden you have an invite, they want to fill that gift table.

[Asker]

Yes that's what I think too!! I told her I'll go and she gave me a hug this morning. I'll make sure to eat some good food too

[In_Trance]

Why do you need to buy a dress?

[Asker]

I don't have anything I'm comfortable with

[In_Trance]

You have an entire wardrobe full of clothes that you wear every single day and you're not comfortable putting anything on?
That makes no sense

[moneymagnet24]

So you feel awkward to go with your boyfriend? 😂

[Asker]

Yes because there will be co workers at the party and I like to keep my relationship private