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Marthe48

(23,175 posts)
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 10:47 AM Mar 21

How to meet up with friends

When I am planning to meet with friends, I notice the same conversation about plans. We decide we're going to go. Then we figure out what day, then what time and where. But almost every time, the conversation has phrases such as, "I don't care.: "It's up to you." And other deflections. Most of the people I meet have things on their schedule, but I am flexible, so I ask them what time and day is better for them. I still get the same phrases, and in order to get it all settled, I'll pick a time and day. Then we work on where we will go. I will eat anything, anywhere. I don't go out much, though, and most of the other people I know go out more often. In the case of the place, I would like someone who is out and about more than I am to make suggestions. I end up feeling like I have been put in charge, and make the choices.

Is this kind of back and forth normal? Can I do anything to make the planning a little easier? I'm retired, but I feel like every conversation about meeting up is like this. As I write, I thought that I can at least say, "Well, I picked last time. It's your turn."



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TBF

(36,665 posts)
1. I find that it's easiest to suggest a time -
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 10:52 AM
Mar 21

once that is agreed on, then someone picks a spot. A good question is "is there someplace new we can try out?" or "is there any type of food you avoid?". If it's left to me I just pick one of my favorite places, while making sure it doesn't conflict w/allergies etc. I'm starting to do this more now that my kids are out of the house & they really are just adult play dates so set them up the same way!

bucolic_frolic

(55,129 posts)
3. Enmeshment from childhood creates weak or nonexistent boundaries
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 10:59 AM
Mar 21

Everyone should have their turn. Encourage others to pick. Strengthen their resolve, maybe they'll carry it to the other relationships in their lives. But realize in this current situation, if everyone has to agree it could wind up that no agreement is arrived at and then the group can't go anywhere for lack of agreement. Absurd, isn't it?

Marthe48

(23,175 posts)
4. I knew some of the irresolution is role-modelling
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 11:28 AM
Mar 21

Read about it years ago. As I tried to improve my own assertiveness, I encouraged others to do the same. I think I've embraced decision-making. But I don't want to act bossy!





ret5hd

(22,502 posts)
6. to meet friends:
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 12:50 PM
Mar 21

1) bathrobe
2) forget to brush hair
3) emergency item needed at store …i’ll just be in and out…no one will see me.

it will be a goddamn high school/family reunion, i promise ya.

quaint

(5,078 posts)
7. "I picked last time, your turn."
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 01:04 PM
Mar 21

Does not matter who picked last time nor which person I direct the statement to, that person seems to accept that it's okay to state their preferences. Then we adjust for schedules, etc.

a kennedy

(35,975 posts)
8. My lunch group actually likes when I do the suggesting of where to go....I usually just say where
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 01:31 PM
Mar 21

and we all go. Day and time is usually decided first, I say where, and between 7 - 9 show up. Usually every other week we get together. Been doing this for at least 20 years.

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