[Theseus]

I don't like to lie, but I also don't like social situations. I typically find some way to weasel out of them. I weaseled out of an upcoming wedding also. This lunch today is with two of the guys at work, my former boss (he was part of a company layoff, hence "former"), and a guy from a 3rd party company we deal with. We're supposed to meet at a sports pub bar and grill. It's a nice place for business lunches, but:

• I hate sports pubs, because I know nothing about sports.
• I hate noise and crowds.
• I don't like to eat in public.
• I can't relate to guys that are into sports, therefore I have no male friends (hell, I have no friends).

I really wish I wasn't like this, but on the other hand I just want to be left alone.

I completely get that. I hated being young sometimes, because everyone seemed to want to just drink til they got almost unconscious and screw around and talk about stuff I couldn't relate to. It's hard finding the right group of people, and I hope you do. It's easier now I'm older. Now I'd be happier saying thanks for the invite but it's not my thing, and not caring whether they thought less of me for not being into beer and sports.

[hopeless2015]

Sometimes I straight up don't have the money to go to lunches, I just say I have something else going on and can't go that day. It's OK to say no

[Theseus]

Originally Posted by hopeless2015

Sometimes I straight up don't have the money to go to lunches...

Well, that too. I'm in tight financial straits these days. I'm sure that even a tuna sandwich at a popular sports pub isn't going to be $3.50 like it is in the cafeteria (including chips and pickle ).