Q: Am I allowed to tell a friend who asked me to throw her baby shower that I don't want to?
A: It takes a village to rear a child—and the work begins during pregnancy. Try to put your friend ahead of yourself by planning a joyful event that accords with your taste and budget, and ask others to help.
— Anita L. Allen, professor of law and philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania Law School
It's always good to bow out with an alchemic combination of graciousness and humility: "I am so flattered that you'd even ask me to host! But it's such a special occasion that, honestly, I wouldn't even know what font to use for the invitations! So let's think of someone who will throw the spectacular fete that you deserve, and I'll help out and be the most outstanding guest ever."
— Faith Salie, host, public radio's Fair Game from PRI with Faith Salie
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From the July 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
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