Florence Hartley

I received an invitation to my college roommate's wedding, which is happening in three months in a different state. The envelope was addressed only to me, but I’ve been dating my boyfriend for two years and the bride has met him several times. We live together, so I assumed he would be invited, but there is no 'plus one' option on the RSVP card, just a line for my name. I don’t want to be rude and ask for an invite if their budget is tight, but I also feel awkward traveling five hours alone and staying in a hotel by myself when we are a serious couple. Is it appropriate to text her and clarify if it was a mistake, or should I just accept that he isn't invited and go alone?

85 votes

I'm about to attend my first industry conference as a new VP. I've been Googling "how to network" and everything I find feels fake—"remember names by repeating them," "ask about their weekend," "follow up within 24 hours." I'm naturally introverted and a little awkward. The idea of working a room makes me want to hide in the bathroom. But I know these connections matter for my career. My mentor says "just be yourself" but myself wants to read in the corner. My wife says "play the game" but that feels inauthentic. Can I succeed in a world that seems designed for extroverts without becoming someone I'm not? — Introvert in the Spotlight in San Jose

80 votes