Julia Says

Lamaran Abadi

Food goes to waste when you don't turn up

When you decide not to turn up do inform the hosts.

I blame it on Malaysian culture. We are just not the kind of people who says "no" to an invitation, whether we turn up or not is another matter. And the worst part is that we feel we are being polite.

I think we must really change this - saying "yes" but not turning up for the wedding dinner. I know some of my detractors will say that it is in our culture, saying "no" when invited is rude and doesn't give the party that invited you 'face'. But think for a second - when you don't turn up isn't it more 'face' losing for the people who invited you? I personally feel it is better to inform the other party on why you cannot make it for the celebration than wait till the even t is over. That way at least you are sincere and whatever reason you will give for not turning up will not look like an excuse later.

Besides, when you don't turn up remember you are also wasting food. Which, by the way, also isn't in our culture.