There’s a life skill you need if you ever go out to meet up with people or if you attend various activities. Learn to RSVP. Whether it’s an organization meet-up or a lunch dates with friends, your response or lack of one makes a difference.
How to RSVP
Responding to an email reminder of a social activity is as simple as hitting reply and saying “I plan to be there”. Done. How do you know if an RSVP is needed? Usually the email will say “Please let us know if you plan to attend”.
Why RSVP?
Why is it so important? Let’s look at a recent example. I belong to an interest group that meets monthly. The first organizational month, there were 19 people. The hostesses were interrupted just once to find another chair and expand the circle for an unexpected latecomer, but it was mildly irritating to try and get back on track.
Month 3 – now there are 39 members signed up. The lovely demonstration was interrupted 6 different times to find room and chairs for latecomers who were not expected. A simple RSVP by all of them would have meant that chairs were already in place. So simple.
Table for 2?
Another example is when 2-6 friends try to plan a lunch date. If the meeting is at a popular time for the restaurant, the number of people who will be showing up is critical. Will you be trying to cram 5 into a booth meant for 4? If only 2 actually committed, can you risk a two-top in the corner?
Choosing to respond is the simplest way to move through your social life. Please make it a habit.