Whats The Best Way To Do This ?

[seanne]

I have a good friend who has lots of other friends. I like most of them but one in particular I do not care for as she is very cutting.
My friend and I arranged to go to the theatre and I said were we going alone and she said she would ask some of the others, by that I thought she meant the two other friends of ours, but she asked them and this other woman. I have sent her a message to say I have changed my mind and I wont be going.
I have been unwell of late with stress and I know she will want to know why I have cancelled. Do I tell her the truth ? She wont have any thing said about any of her friends.

[Obiter]

If you tell her that you are unwell then you are telling the truth. Problem solved.

[seanne]

I actually meant do I tell her it is because this other person is going and I dont feel comfortable around her ?

[Obiter]

No, you tell her truthfully that you are unwell with stress and would not be good company.

[cupid04]

If an evening out with this lady would stress you out I can understand why you don't want to go. If this person is as unfriendly as you say I'd skip it.
Perhaps you could arrange another outing with your friends where this lady isn't present. Good luck. x

[seanne]

You see I wanted to go until she invited her

[Cloverjo]

Perhaps you need to tell her you don't like this woman so you don't have to miss out on other trips with your friend. You could say something like "I'd love to have gone to the theatre with you, but I don't know if you've noticed that X and I don't actually like each other too much and I was upset about having to spend an evening with her."
She might be upset that you don't like her friend, but at least will understand (hopefully) that you tried to get along with her, but couldn't make it work.

[murraymints]

I'm with clover..I'd tell her, if she is a good friend she'll understand and won't put you in such a situation again...

[paul1763]

is it possible her friend may also dislike you for some reason, you never know,she may pull out for the same reason so i'd double check nearer the date if possible

[seanne]

Paul, no she does not dislike me, and she has already said she is going knowing that I am

[seanne]

My friend rang me yesterday and I explained how I felt about this other woman and she apologized for inviting her and said she understood my dilemma, she said she did not want me to feel any pressure to go but would hold my ticket to the very last minute for me, a true friend indeed, I am blessed.