Chelsea Flower Show, 22 May

[Two_Sheds]

So I have a problem.

I have 2 free tickets to Chelsea, and free train as well, from Other Half. Trouble is, none of my friends wants to go with me.

I'd happily go on my own, except then I'd be snubbing MiL (I can't go with her ... I zip around at high-speed and she wants to amble: we'd just annoy each other).

My other (and the main) problem is it takes 5 hrs each way by various buses/trains/shanks's pony. Just SO much hassle.

OH is now peed off because I don't want his (admittedly very thoughtful) gift.

We can't sell them, because they're corporate tickets.

What a waste. Why do I feel so bad?

[zazen999]

Can't you say you are going with a friend...who doesn't show up...say they are coming from another part of the country and meeting you down there......so you tell MIL that you bit the bullet at the last minute and went on your own????

[BilboWaggins]

I've had a similar problem going to quilt shows with other people and eventually found the compromise was to go together, part at the door, meet for coffee, then separate, then meet for lunch, bla bla bla.

Granted that might not work at Chelsea because of the size and crowds, and not knowing your MIL, she might not accept that . . . could you get hubby to speak to her?

Good luck whatever you do, especially with the 5 hour journey.

[Two_Sheds]

I've had a similar problem going to quilt shows with other people and eventually found the compromise was to go together, part at the door, meet for coffee, then separate, then meet for lunch, bla bla bla.

Yes, therein lies the problem. MiL likes to be with someone at all times, whereas I like to be on my own, zipping around. I hate dawdling !

I can't explain this to OH, he doesn't get it. I also can't imagine what we'd talk about for 10 hrs on the journey

I think I just won't go. He's giving me a guilt trip though.

[zazen999]

Just go.....tell him you are meeting one of us.

[Two_Sheds]

Yes Zaz, I might do that.
I can't tell fibs though, and say what a lovely day we had ... I'd have to tell him you didn't turn up, and now I'm not ever talking to you again !

[zazen999]

Yup, i can post an apology on faceache if you like. I'll be very apologetic - I'll even put some spelling mistakes in if you like.

[jackie j]

I have always wanted to go to chelsea flower show and thought about getting tickets for me and my sister as this year its her 60th birthday and on top of the cost of traveling couldnt afford to do it.
Go and enjoy yourself with your bogus friend who cant make it cos she is ill.

[Growem]

It doesn't have to be a bogus friend, I'm sure someone here wouldn't mind a free ticket! I would say yes, but there are a number of factors that are stopping me from jumping at it. I sort of leaning towards it, but I bet others would jump if you offered.

[MrsC]

TwoSheds, go and enjoy yourself, I'd go on my own

[zazen999]

It doesn't have to be a bogus friend, I'm sure someone here wouldn't mind a free ticket! I would say yes, but there are a number of factors that are stopping me from jumping at it. I sort of leaning towards it, but I bet others would jump if you offered.

No leaning allowed; or dawdling.

[Two_Sheds]

tbh folks, it's the 10 hrs travelling that's putting me off going at all.
I have back pain and chronic fatigue ... so just a normal day does me in, without travelling for 10 hrs on top.

I just feel bad because he was being v.thoughtful by getting me tickets.

I think I might give the pair to MiL and her friend.

[NOG]

Then stay over you can get a Premier Travel lodge for £30.

I also hate going with others...Mrs NOG spends all the time looking for the toilets.

[Two_Sheds]

Then stay over you can get a Premier Travel lodge for £30.

What, on my own? They'll ask if I want the room by the hour

A good idea, actually, if I didn't have to be back home to do the pet and people feeding the next morning.

[Growem]

Your family can't manage to feed themselves for a meal or two? I think if you OH gave you the tickets, he wants you to enjoy them.