Did I commit a Facebook faux pas?

Question

I have an old high school friend who I've only seen a few times since high school.  She lives about 30 minutes away, we have toddlers the same age, and we are friends on Facebook.  This friend recently posted as her status update a public invitation to an event at her house.  It was along the lines of, "Hey, if anybody is not doing anything for New Year's, I'm having a potluck at my house.  Call me if you want to come."  

My husband and I didn't have plans, so I private messaged her to see if we could come and ask what we could bring.  She has seen the message but not responded.  

Was I wrong to assume we might be included in this public invitation?  Should I have assumed she was only intending to speak to people who she has seen more recently (or people who have her phone number)?  How, in general, should one respond to public Facebook invitations from people with whom one does not have lots of in-person interaction?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I always assume that it's an open invitation for current friends that the person is close with and has regular, in-person interactions. I have done something similar before and that was always my thought process. Honestly, in my case when I've done that, it hasn't even crossed my mind that people I don't normally associate with would reply or be interested in coming so in all fairness, that may've been her thought process (or lack thereof) as well. Although, if someone DID write me about coming that I didn't normally speak to, I would absolutely write them back and say they're more than welcome.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Whether you made a "faux pas" or not, who cares? If she's going to be rude and silly about it, then that's her problem. We're all adults; it's really not a big deal.

I reread it again and I must've brushed over the fact that she specified for people to call her. That right there is your answer. It was for people she was close enough friends with to have her phone number. So I'd say I guess you technically did make a little "faux pas," but I still maintain that it's not a big deal and who cares?? Sounds like you're a nice person wanting to meet and mingle with new people - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. If she wants to be weird about it, then let her - maybe it's best that she was just a high school friend because it sounds like she may still be living in it. :)

Noah · Answer

Her fault for inviting everybody but not actually meaning it.

Joe Lean · Answer

Sounds like you kind of know your answer. :) I've done that too, apparently she didn't mean you. :(

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Did I commit a Facebook faux pas?

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