Simple response best way for declining an invitation

I hired a tradesperson to do some painting and odd jobs. As we discussed the bill, he said “You can either pay me, or take me to dinner.” I was so shocked that I immediately changed the subject and asked him about a piece of leaky guttering that was concerning me.

Putting aside the fact that I felt his behavior was inappropriate and unprofessional, I am an asexual woman with no interest in romantic relationships, so any such invitation will need to be declined. Could you please equip me with a phrase or two that I could use in the future, and tell me how I could have handled the situation better?

While Miss Manners finds her interest piqued by your explanation, she assures you that it is unnecessary in declining unwanted invitations.

You may simply say “Thank you, but I am afraid that is out of the question.” That you do not date, and why, will only invite more unwanted attention.

However, there is a significant difference between declining an invitation in a social situation than in a professional one. In the latter, you may be dependent on the person’s work, or otherwise required to have another encounter. In that case, you may say, “I am sure that your boss (or union, etc.) would not want to collect their fees in dinner. Let’s keep this relationship professional” — doing your best not to make it sound, at least (overtly), like a threat.

I am a social-media user. I would appreciate a list of do’s and don’ts for polite social-media use in society. I want to keep interactions with work colleagues appropriate, as well as those with friends and family.

My children have interestingly asked me to not post so many photos of them, or to ask them first. I have thought about deleting my account, but I appreciate the ability to stay in touch with people important to me.

Do not post pictures of people without their permission — or of yourself, if you are not certain that there won’t be professional repercussions.

Do get separate social and business accounts if you are unable to perform the above.

Do not use “likes” to check your self-worth and the status of your friendships.

Do not post deeply personal things and then act shocked when your friends make reference to them.

Do not assume that any invitations sent on social media are binding. Or be surprised when either no one shows up — or overcrowding necessitates that the police do.

Do not use social media as a platform to disparage your friends, family or co-workers.

My 10-year-old son and his friend were walking and the other child’s headphones fell out of his pocket. My son didn’t see them and accidentally stepped on and broke them.

Who is responsible for replacing them? I feel like the responsibility lies with both boys. Am I wrong in only offering to cover half?

Yes. Not only because compensating the loss is the gracious thing to do, but also because your reasoning is faulty.

Is it worth fighting this? Doing so will likely cost more in the way of friendship than the price of headphones.