DEAR MISS MANNERS: I invited my best friend to a concert over a month before the show. She said she should call me back because it falls on her sister’s birthday weekend. Two weeks later, I still haven’t heard from my friend.

Meanwhile, my 11 year old son asked if he could come with me. His father will also be there. I would prefer to bring my son. What is the best way to handle this?

GENTLE READER: “I assumed that since I hadn’t heard from you, you weren’t able to attend the concert.” Marcus has expressed interest, so he will come with me. Hope to see you at another event soon.

Miss Manners notes that this has the added benefit of alerting your friend that if she’s expecting to attend the next event, she’d better act more quickly.