DEAR MISS MANNERS: I invited my best friend to a concert more than a month ahead of the performance. She said she would have to get back to me, as it falls on her sister’s birthday weekend. Two weeks later, I still haven’t heard from my friend.

Meanwhile, my 11-year-old son asked if he could attend with me. His father will also be there. I would rather bring my son. What is the best way to handle this?

GENTLE READER: “I assumed that since I didn’t hear from you, you were unable to attend the concert. Marcus expressed an interest, so he will be coming with me. I hope to see you at another event soon.”

Miss Manners notes that this has the added advantage of alerting your friend that if she expects to attend the next event, she had better act more quickly.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.