Quote: we can't really tell people "we're not going to such and such because we're going to bed Sat afternoon."
Miss Manners says you don't have to give a reason for turning down an invitation. All you have to say is, "We have other plans." If they press you, "What kind of plans?" just deflect it with, "Another time we'd love to (whatever)."
Miss Manners also says that when people ask, "What have you been up to?" and you don't care to go into detail, all you have to do is deflect again with, "Not much... Anyway, I'm more interested in what's been going on with you." People find that a pretty charming response.
