“Why doesn’t she want to go? Does she not like us?”
As I recently transitioned to my new position, I didn’t realize it extended to events outside of 9 to 5. Apparently my new executive team attends summer concerts together on a regular basis. I quickly and politely passed on the first offer. Kids' sports schedules coupled with single parent life provided a pretty strong cover. I slid by the second offer by conveniently being out of town.