She left - 2

[gogofo]

Missing me is the reason I thought you were going to say, and I completely understand that.

I have been wavering back and forth as to what I would say if I was invited.

One part of me says I would need to go to show that I like her family and we can have fun together. Basically a 180 and showing that my interaction with her family wasn't a show or manipulation. This would be an easier option to let go of if it wasn't one of my 180s.

The other part of me says that she needs to miss me, and I understand how important this is. But I was also "absent" during our last 6 months.

It would be the first thing besides dinner at her house I would be invited to. But no need to worry about it, there is basically a zero possibility that the invitation will come.

I did refuse an invitation to the actual birthday party from the SIL, knowing that there would be a possibility of creating additional issues and that everyone would be uncomfortable.