R.S.V.P.

R.S.V.P. stands for a French phrase, "répondez, s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply." The person sending the invitation would like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation.

Pretty simple. Everyone in this day and age knows what "RSVP" means. As well, there has never been an easier time that a reply can be given: a quick text; a simple phone call - even to an answering machine; a private message on Facebook. The task has never been more simple, yet I believe it has also never been more rare.

 

I wonder why. Busy lives? Lack of understanding because one has never entertained themselves? "It's just what we do."? Couldn't care less? A stab in the back because you don't like someone? Probably all of the above at times, depending on the person.

 

Who knows? Are any of those reasons acceptable? The only thing I know is there really is no excuse. Saving someone a little time and money as they plan an event is always important, in my opinion. Acknowledging someone's kindness in desiring your presence at a party with a simple response should be something each of us would want to do, I would think.

 

Usually, I like this truth: "The test of good manners is to be able to put up pleasantly with bad ones."

 

That is easy-schmeesy when it is only about bad manners. People have had to deal with that for forever, probably. Well, at least since we have thrown the importance of good manners out the window, anyway.

But the truth is, I really couldn't care less about what anyone does...unless it hurts someone I love.

 

Nice fork!