Is it rude to say maybe to an invitation and never answer?
Guilty
The short answer
Maybe is fine for a few days. Past the host's deadline, maybe counts as no and an apology is due.
The ruling
From the public record. Names are replaced with roles.
Small claims division
Case no.PC-2026-00137
The host v. The friend
Filed 10/05/2026
- Plaintiff
- The host
- Defendant
- The friend
Statement of claim
I invited eight people to dinner and asked for answers by Wednesday so I could book. She said maybe on Monday and then nothing until Friday night, when she said she could not come.
Charge
A maybe given on Monday and maintained past a Wednesday deadline, resolved as no on Friday night
Judgment
Guilty
Friend found guilty of a maybe that lasted until Friday night
Sentence
The defendant will answer the next three invitations within 24 hours and cover her share of the booking fee.
How the court usually rules on this
The court accepts maybe as an honest answer when it comes with a time limit. When the host has to book a table or buy food, a maybe that runs past the deadline costs the host money and planning. The court usually asks the defendant to answer future invitations within a fixed time.
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