Dilemma

We gather in the corner booth.

To go or not to go--that is my dilemma.

I gather monthly with a ladies lunch bunch.  Usually there are the same five or six of us. We get along quite well, and enjoy one another's company.   There are a couple of others on the email list who show up once or twice a year, perhaps.  There is one in particular who rarely comes, but around whom I am very uncomfortable.  There are various reasons for that,  but clearly, I would not be able to be myself and enjoy the lunch.  She has responded this time that she does plan to be present.

Several of us tried to get our convener to remove her from the list, but Convener would not, because they serve on various committees together,  and that would put her in an awkward position.

So that is my dilemma.  Should I let her presence keep me from attending the lunch?  There are two ways to think about that.  One--why should I let her spoil my fun?  OR-- If I already know how how miserable I will be in her presence, why drive two hours and spend the money?   At the moment, I am leaning toward option two. 

Ironically, our lunch discussion question for this month is:   Besides family and health,  what do you value most at this stage of your life?   For me, the answer definitely is:  friends!

Too bad.