Are these bad reasons for not wanting to go?

[shadow_lark]

 My friend called me last night and left a message about her birthday party.  Its on the 5th, at her place.  Which is fine, but I dont think i can go.  first because its going to cost me so much.  i have to take a ferry, which is $15 each way, plus the cost of gas...so probably another $30 in may car...maybe more.  So $60, which isnt too much, but DH and I dont have that kind of money right now.  Also, Its probably going to be a evening and late night thing, and probably not child friendly.  So i would have to ask for babysitting, which I dont really like to do, and add in that i will be a few hours away if anything happens.....yea

and then, there will probably be alcohol.  Which I normally wouldnt mind, but she has this thing about trying to get me to drink.  She knows I dont drink, but for some reason tries to get me to anyway.  And I wont know anyone there but her and her BF.

So all told....i just dont want to go.  Are those bad reasons?  Does this make me a bad friend?  I havent said anything to her yet because I know she will just try to talk me into coming despite anything i tell her.  But i always feel bad about not coming to her parties and such.

[Pammi86]

I understand money is tight and that right there would be a main reason! It sucks for both of you that its difficult for you to make it but she has to understand why and I really don't think its a big deal! Hope she understands too!

[Javamama619]

The money would be the main reason and in this economy it is not a bad reason at all

[Bgbluford785]

I c,ompletly understand, its so hard to say that you can't and because you have a family that's your main priorty. I would simply tell her why just like you did us and if she is a god friend she will understand. If she starts bugging then tell her you have to let her go but you will call her later. My man and I aren't in any situwation to spend that kind of money on a party that wouldn't be enjoyable.

[MistressMinerva]

If she is a good friend she will understand.

[goddess99]

If you don't want to go, can't afford to go, and don't drink, there is no reason to go. lol hopefully she'll understand when you decline.

[splatz]

I agree. Just tell her you will make it up to her some other time. You guys can meet for lunch. I highly doubt you would be spending much quality time with her at the party anyways.

Quoting goddess99:

If you don't want to go, can't afford to go, and don't drink, there is no reason to go. lol hopefully she'll understand when you decline.

[kaitybird]

Let her know that as much as you would like to go you can't.  It is okay to say NO and lack of money is a very acceptable reason for not going.  Not everyone can afford to fork out that much JUST to get to the party and then to buy a gift on top of that.  

[countrymomma81]

I don't think those are bad reasons. Hell, the money and alcohol situation alone would be enough to make me not go (if I didn't drink. But I do).

[Janet]

 Exactly!

Quoting MistressMinerva:

If she is a good friend she will understand.