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// From HRH Sunsei, RE: Letter 94 
// Story: To: Anon, From HRH Sunbutt. 
// by Snow 
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To my most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,

At some point it became more polite to beg off with some weak excuse than to actually admit a lack of interest or willingness to participate in social events of whatever nature. As I have mentioned before, honesty is usually a better alternative in the long run especially when one has difficulty gauging the appropriateness of a lie.

I realize of course that other ponies may have been the ones to tell a 'little white lie' first, and you sometimes have difficulty differentiating between an actual problem and just a polite excuse, so perhaps I might offer a wayfaring rule: Ask once, if they decline for any given reason, express your wishes that they could attend, and ask if they might be interested some other time. If they express genuine regret that they'll have to miss or can't attend, then you may offer to reschedule or help them reschedule I suppose. If they simply express that it's unfortunate and that 'maybe next time' it may be better to assume that they aren't interested in that specific thing.

If you really can't tell, my faithful student, it is okay to simply ask. It may not be quite as 'polite' but I think it would be better in the long run if you are simply prepared to ask directly anyway. After all, it's meant to spare your feelings on the matter in the first place, when somepony else does it.

Your loving mentor,
Princess Celestia