Declining welcome lunch invitation at new job due to RamadanIs it generally unacceptable to become close...

Loading but not using TikZ changes a file

Printing a string when grep does not get a match

A non-technological, repeating, visible object in the sky, holding its position in the sky for hours

Transfer over $10k

Binary Numbers Magic Trick

How to reply this mail from potential PhD professor?

How to back up a running Linode server?

Selecting a secure PIN for building access

Short story about people living in a different time streams

Copy line and insert it in a new position with sed or awk

Is it appropriate to refer to God as "It"?

How do I tell my manager that his code review comment is wrong?

Unexpected email from Yorkshire Bank

Can fracking help reduce CO2?

How did Captain America use this power?

Method and way to highlight the validation message in the web page by using Selenium IDE

Is balancing necessary on a full-wheel change?

Pigeonhole Principle Problem

Geometry - Proving a common centroid.

Why do computer-science majors learn calculus?

If 1. e4 c6 is considered as a sound defense for black, why is 1. c3 so rare?

How can I close a gap between my fence and my neighbor's that's on his side of the property line?

What happens if I start too many background jobs?

How to creep the reader out with what seems like a normal person?

Declining welcome lunch invitation at new job due to Ramadan

Is it generally unacceptable to become close friends with colleagues?How to politely decline a job offer based on work environment didn't seem comfortable?Handling mandatory lunch breaks after signing an offerHow can I drop a polite hint to a coworker to stop pestering me with daily questions about my lunch?Ignored at new work placeWhat is the best way to politely decline invitations to go for drinks with work colleagues?Starting a new job and disclosing pregnancyEmployee (my direct report) underperforming due to religious fasting - how to address?What really is true equalityHow much time/ Is it reasonable to ask for an extension in start date?

.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}

I am starting a new position next month and I have been kindly invited to a team lunch. I would love to go, but due to the month of Ramadan I will be fasting during the day - no food or drinks allowed. I am not sure if it would be rude to decline their offer. I could ask them to delay it by 1 month but then that is no longer a welcome lunch.

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

29

As a boss, I can tell you that if anything, I would be the one embarrassed about this. I should have been more aware of the situation, and I would be embarrassed for not thinking about this in the first place. Just kindly remind your boss that it is Ramadan, and I am sure that they will be accommodating.

– bremen_matt
7 hours ago

5

Is the team lunch a welcome lunch for you or is it a regular activity that you're now invited to as a member of the team?

– Alexandre Aubrey
7 hours ago

14

@bremen_matt: Why would you be embarrassed? Religion should be a choice, at least in theory. In many countries, it would be illegal to ask candidates about their religion or lack thereof.

– Eric Duminil
6 hours ago

12

@AlexandreAubrey The lunch was specifically arranged for me. They were happy to delay it by a month.

– Umut Esen
6 hours ago

2

@UmutEsen Is it possible that you could just go and socialize without eating?

– user4574
3 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

29

As a boss, I can tell you that if anything, I would be the one embarrassed about this. I should have been more aware of the situation, and I would be embarrassed for not thinking about this in the first place. Just kindly remind your boss that it is Ramadan, and I am sure that they will be accommodating.

– bremen_matt
7 hours ago

5

Is the team lunch a welcome lunch for you or is it a regular activity that you're now invited to as a member of the team?

– Alexandre Aubrey
7 hours ago

14

@bremen_matt: Why would you be embarrassed? Religion should be a choice, at least in theory. In many countries, it would be illegal to ask candidates about their religion or lack thereof.

– Eric Duminil
6 hours ago

12

@AlexandreAubrey The lunch was specifically arranged for me. They were happy to delay it by a month.

– Umut Esen
6 hours ago

2

@UmutEsen Is it possible that you could just go and socialize without eating?

– user4574
3 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

new-job socializing religion

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

edited 41 mins ago

200_success

1,6961123

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

asked 11 hours ago

Umut Esen

30337

New contributor

Umut Esen is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

29

As a boss, I can tell you that if anything, I would be the one embarrassed about this. I should have been more aware of the situation, and I would be embarrassed for not thinking about this in the first place. Just kindly remind your boss that it is Ramadan, and I am sure that they will be accommodating.

– bremen_matt
7 hours ago

5

Is the team lunch a welcome lunch for you or is it a regular activity that you're now invited to as a member of the team?

– Alexandre Aubrey
7 hours ago

14

@bremen_matt: Why would you be embarrassed? Religion should be a choice, at least in theory. In many countries, it would be illegal to ask candidates about their religion or lack thereof.

– Eric Duminil
6 hours ago

12

@AlexandreAubrey The lunch was specifically arranged for me. They were happy to delay it by a month.

– Umut Esen
6 hours ago

2

@UmutEsen Is it possible that you could just go and socialize without eating?

– user4574
3 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

29

As a boss, I can tell you that if anything, I would be the one embarrassed about this. I should have been more aware of the situation, and I would be embarrassed for not thinking about this in the first place. Just kindly remind your boss that it is Ramadan, and I am sure that they will be accommodating.

– bremen_matt
7 hours ago

5

Is the team lunch a welcome lunch for you or is it a regular activity that you're now invited to as a member of the team?

– Alexandre Aubrey
7 hours ago

14

@bremen_matt: Why would you be embarrassed? Religion should be a choice, at least in theory. In many countries, it would be illegal to ask candidates about their religion or lack thereof.

– Eric Duminil
6 hours ago

12

@AlexandreAubrey The lunch was specifically arranged for me. They were happy to delay it by a month.

– Umut Esen
6 hours ago

2

@UmutEsen Is it possible that you could just go and socialize without eating?

– user4574
3 hours ago

As a boss, I can tell you that if anything, I would be the one embarrassed about this. I should have been more aware of the situation, and I would be embarrassed for not thinking about this in the first place. Just kindly remind your boss that it is Ramadan, and I am sure that they will be accommodating.

– bremen_matt
7 hours ago

Is the team lunch a welcome lunch for you or is it a regular activity that you're now invited to as a member of the team?

– Alexandre Aubrey
7 hours ago

@bremen_matt: Why would you be embarrassed? Religion should be a choice, at least in theory. In many countries, it would be illegal to ask candidates about their religion or lack thereof.

– Eric Duminil
6 hours ago

@AlexandreAubrey The lunch was specifically arranged for me. They were happy to delay it by a month.

– Umut Esen
6 hours ago

@UmutEsen Is it possible that you could just go and socialize without eating?

– user4574
3 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

4 Answers
4

active

oldest

votes

Observing your religion shouldn't be viewed as being rude.

Simply respond and explain the situation to them while thanking them for their offer.

You can certainly suggest delaying for a month, and they should be happy enough to do this (other plans permitting).

They may also offer to go for an evening event instead of a daytime one. They might even go further in going ahead with the lunch event, but choosing not to eat or drink out of respect for you (this is something I'd happily partake in).

edited 8 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

Thank you for your comment, I think I will be delaying it rather than evening time as the fasting ends at 9pm.

– Umut Esen
11 hours ago

I like this. Also you can ask for alternatives from lunch. Depending on age and what sort of job, maybe a fun hour doing something nearby like arcade or going to the park.

– Dan
7 hours ago

@UmutEsen You might also consider a breakfast thing, especially if you have leftovers from the morning meal. A friend brought some leftover pastries one year, his approval rating went through the roof.

– AmiralPatate
7 hours ago

That is a great point. It might even make people remember that Ramadan takes place and might delay all other lunches to avoid these type of situations.

– Aziris Morora
5 hours ago

@AmiralPatate For most locations in the northern hemisphere, this would require that all the coworkers arrive quite early in the day (eating before 6am in my location right now)...

– user3067860
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

As Snow suggests, observing your religion in this way isn't rude - and asking for a delay isn't a big deal but if it's not feasible that doesn't mean you have to cancel or postpone the lunch.

The point of such a "welcome lunch" isn't really about you eating or drinking things - it's about getting to know your new colleagues in an environment that is less formal than the office or a meeting. You could quite easily fulfill the purpose of doing this by attending and not eating or drinking.

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

15

Well I always find it a bit awkward when 1 of the guests doesn't eat at the restaurant, both for that guest and the others who are actually eating.

– Laurent S.
11 hours ago

7

+1 for attending and not eating or drinking. People have different beliefs, this way you can still meet the team but you're not forcing people who don't hold the same beliefs as you to change plans while still observing your own religion.

– Old Nick
8 hours ago

15

Attending a restaurant when you are hungry and thirsty is not my idea of fun. The OP may have different views of course. (Remember, strict observance of Ramadan requires nil-by-mouth after sunrise.)

– Martin Bonner
8 hours ago

2

@LaurentS. well, you shouldn't; I don't know how else to put it. Would you feel awkward going to a theme park and not going on a ride; or going to a shop and not buying anything; or going to a petting zoo and not touching an animal? Life is too short to feel awkward because you're doing something which you THINK is a little different, but is actually perfectly normal.

– UKMonkey
8 hours ago

1

@OldNick If it's really a "welcome lunch" for someone, it's not super cool to have the person of honor be stuck watching everyone else eat.

– Azor Ahai
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

I suggest that it's not necessary to explain why you can't make it to lunch. You can decline and suggest an alternate date.

For example, you might say "I'm grateful for the warm welcome you're all giving me here at CompanyName. Your offer for the welcome lunch is very kind, but I'm afraid I won't be able to accept until after [specific date]."

There are some things that don't need to be discussed in the workplace, such as medical issues, home life, religion and so on.

For example, you might not be able to attend a lunch because:

You're fasting for religious reasons

You're preparing for a medical procedure that requires a specific diet

You want to remain available so that you're on call to tend to an ailing relative

You have a special diet because you're trying to make some weight loss goal

etc etc etc

The key is that you don't need to explain why you're declining the invitation. Explain that you won't be able to go, thank them for the offer, and also give a timeframe when you would be able to in the future. If they can't reschedule, that's fine.

None of this is to say that one should hide their religion. It's simply that it's not necessary to explain your reasons when declining an invitation if you don't want to, and even moreso when the reasons are related to things that are typically left private at work.

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

Although I think it would be better to give the reason for declining the invitation (or asking that it be postponed), I agree that there's no obligation to do so.

– Andreas Blass
19 mins ago

add a comment |

-3

As someone else already mentioned, yes you are embarrassing yourself. Religion is a private matter and has no room at work. If you wanna engage in superstition, communism or whatever you do it outside of work, like you would with any other hobby.

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

1

Eating lunch isn't part of work so i fail to see how this is a relevant answer. (Plus, superstition and communism? wut)

– Azor Ahai
24 mins ago

A welcome lunch is part of work. What's it you don't understand about superstition and communism?

– hensti
2 mins ago

There's no world where having to eat lunch is a requirement of being on the job. It's absurd to say someone has to eat because their coworkers are eating. And I'm curious why you've listed them together

– Azor Ahai
18 secs ago

add a comment |

Your Answer

StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "423"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});

function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: false,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});

}
});

Umut Esen is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.

draft saved

draft discarded

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f135703%2fdeclining-welcome-lunch-invitation-at-new-job-due-to-ramadan%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

StackExchange.ready(function () {
$("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function () {
var showEditor = function() {
$("#show-editor-button").hide();
$("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
};

var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
if(useFancy == 'True') {
var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

$(this).loadPopup({
url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
loaded: function(popup) {
var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

pTitle.text(popupTitle);
pBody.html(popupBody);
pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
}
})
} else{
var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true) {
showEditor();
}
}
});
});

4 Answers
4

active

oldest

votes

4 Answers
4

active

oldest

votes

Observing your religion shouldn't be viewed as being rude.

Simply respond and explain the situation to them while thanking them for their offer.

You can certainly suggest delaying for a month, and they should be happy enough to do this (other plans permitting).

edited 8 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

Thank you for your comment, I think I will be delaying it rather than evening time as the fasting ends at 9pm.

– Umut Esen
11 hours ago

I like this. Also you can ask for alternatives from lunch. Depending on age and what sort of job, maybe a fun hour doing something nearby like arcade or going to the park.

– Dan
7 hours ago

@UmutEsen You might also consider a breakfast thing, especially if you have leftovers from the morning meal. A friend brought some leftover pastries one year, his approval rating went through the roof.

– AmiralPatate
7 hours ago

That is a great point. It might even make people remember that Ramadan takes place and might delay all other lunches to avoid these type of situations.

– Aziris Morora
5 hours ago

@AmiralPatate For most locations in the northern hemisphere, this would require that all the coworkers arrive quite early in the day (eating before 6am in my location right now)...

– user3067860
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

Observing your religion shouldn't be viewed as being rude.

Simply respond and explain the situation to them while thanking them for their offer.

You can certainly suggest delaying for a month, and they should be happy enough to do this (other plans permitting).

edited 8 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

Thank you for your comment, I think I will be delaying it rather than evening time as the fasting ends at 9pm.

– Umut Esen
11 hours ago

I like this. Also you can ask for alternatives from lunch. Depending on age and what sort of job, maybe a fun hour doing something nearby like arcade or going to the park.

– Dan
7 hours ago

@UmutEsen You might also consider a breakfast thing, especially if you have leftovers from the morning meal. A friend brought some leftover pastries one year, his approval rating went through the roof.

– AmiralPatate
7 hours ago

That is a great point. It might even make people remember that Ramadan takes place and might delay all other lunches to avoid these type of situations.

– Aziris Morora
5 hours ago

@AmiralPatate For most locations in the northern hemisphere, this would require that all the coworkers arrive quite early in the day (eating before 6am in my location right now)...

– user3067860
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

Observing your religion shouldn't be viewed as being rude.

Simply respond and explain the situation to them while thanking them for their offer.

You can certainly suggest delaying for a month, and they should be happy enough to do this (other plans permitting).

edited 8 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

Observing your religion shouldn't be viewed as being rude.

Simply respond and explain the situation to them while thanking them for their offer.

You can certainly suggest delaying for a month, and they should be happy enough to do this (other plans permitting).

edited 8 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

edited 8 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

answered 11 hours ago

Snow♦

65.6k54217260

Thank you for your comment, I think I will be delaying it rather than evening time as the fasting ends at 9pm.

– Umut Esen
11 hours ago

I like this. Also you can ask for alternatives from lunch. Depending on age and what sort of job, maybe a fun hour doing something nearby like arcade or going to the park.

– Dan
7 hours ago

@UmutEsen You might also consider a breakfast thing, especially if you have leftovers from the morning meal. A friend brought some leftover pastries one year, his approval rating went through the roof.

– AmiralPatate
7 hours ago

That is a great point. It might even make people remember that Ramadan takes place and might delay all other lunches to avoid these type of situations.

– Aziris Morora
5 hours ago

@AmiralPatate For most locations in the northern hemisphere, this would require that all the coworkers arrive quite early in the day (eating before 6am in my location right now)...

– user3067860
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

Thank you for your comment, I think I will be delaying it rather than evening time as the fasting ends at 9pm.

– Umut Esen
11 hours ago

I like this. Also you can ask for alternatives from lunch. Depending on age and what sort of job, maybe a fun hour doing something nearby like arcade or going to the park.

– Dan
7 hours ago

@UmutEsen You might also consider a breakfast thing, especially if you have leftovers from the morning meal. A friend brought some leftover pastries one year, his approval rating went through the roof.

– AmiralPatate
7 hours ago

That is a great point. It might even make people remember that Ramadan takes place and might delay all other lunches to avoid these type of situations.

– Aziris Morora
5 hours ago

@AmiralPatate For most locations in the northern hemisphere, this would require that all the coworkers arrive quite early in the day (eating before 6am in my location right now)...

– user3067860
4 hours ago

Thank you for your comment, I think I will be delaying it rather than evening time as the fasting ends at 9pm.

– Umut Esen
11 hours ago

I like this. Also you can ask for alternatives from lunch. Depending on age and what sort of job, maybe a fun hour doing something nearby like arcade or going to the park.

– Dan
7 hours ago

@UmutEsen You might also consider a breakfast thing, especially if you have leftovers from the morning meal. A friend brought some leftover pastries one year, his approval rating went through the roof.

– AmiralPatate
7 hours ago

That is a great point. It might even make people remember that Ramadan takes place and might delay all other lunches to avoid these type of situations.

– Aziris Morora
5 hours ago

@AmiralPatate For most locations in the northern hemisphere, this would require that all the coworkers arrive quite early in the day (eating before 6am in my location right now)...

– user3067860
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

As Snow suggests, observing your religion in this way isn't rude - and asking for a delay isn't a big deal but if it's not feasible that doesn't mean you have to cancel or postpone the lunch.

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

15

Well I always find it a bit awkward when 1 of the guests doesn't eat at the restaurant, both for that guest and the others who are actually eating.

– Laurent S.
11 hours ago

7

+1 for attending and not eating or drinking. People have different beliefs, this way you can still meet the team but you're not forcing people who don't hold the same beliefs as you to change plans while still observing your own religion.

– Old Nick
8 hours ago

15

Attending a restaurant when you are hungry and thirsty is not my idea of fun. The OP may have different views of course. (Remember, strict observance of Ramadan requires nil-by-mouth after sunrise.)

– Martin Bonner
8 hours ago

2

@LaurentS. well, you shouldn't; I don't know how else to put it. Would you feel awkward going to a theme park and not going on a ride; or going to a shop and not buying anything; or going to a petting zoo and not touching an animal? Life is too short to feel awkward because you're doing something which you THINK is a little different, but is actually perfectly normal.

– UKMonkey
8 hours ago

1

@OldNick If it's really a "welcome lunch" for someone, it's not super cool to have the person of honor be stuck watching everyone else eat.

– Azor Ahai
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

As Snow suggests, observing your religion in this way isn't rude - and asking for a delay isn't a big deal but if it's not feasible that doesn't mean you have to cancel or postpone the lunch.

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

15

Well I always find it a bit awkward when 1 of the guests doesn't eat at the restaurant, both for that guest and the others who are actually eating.

– Laurent S.
11 hours ago

7

+1 for attending and not eating or drinking. People have different beliefs, this way you can still meet the team but you're not forcing people who don't hold the same beliefs as you to change plans while still observing your own religion.

– Old Nick
8 hours ago

15

Attending a restaurant when you are hungry and thirsty is not my idea of fun. The OP may have different views of course. (Remember, strict observance of Ramadan requires nil-by-mouth after sunrise.)

– Martin Bonner
8 hours ago

2

@LaurentS. well, you shouldn't; I don't know how else to put it. Would you feel awkward going to a theme park and not going on a ride; or going to a shop and not buying anything; or going to a petting zoo and not touching an animal? Life is too short to feel awkward because you're doing something which you THINK is a little different, but is actually perfectly normal.

– UKMonkey
8 hours ago

1

@OldNick If it's really a "welcome lunch" for someone, it's not super cool to have the person of honor be stuck watching everyone else eat.

– Azor Ahai
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

As Snow suggests, observing your religion in this way isn't rude - and asking for a delay isn't a big deal but if it's not feasible that doesn't mean you have to cancel or postpone the lunch.

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

As Snow suggests, observing your religion in this way isn't rude - and asking for a delay isn't a big deal but if it's not feasible that doesn't mean you have to cancel or postpone the lunch.

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

edited 4 hours ago

yoozer8

4,18143056

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

answered 11 hours ago

motosubatsu

54.5k28145217

15

Well I always find it a bit awkward when 1 of the guests doesn't eat at the restaurant, both for that guest and the others who are actually eating.

– Laurent S.
11 hours ago

7

+1 for attending and not eating or drinking. People have different beliefs, this way you can still meet the team but you're not forcing people who don't hold the same beliefs as you to change plans while still observing your own religion.

– Old Nick
8 hours ago

15

Attending a restaurant when you are hungry and thirsty is not my idea of fun. The OP may have different views of course. (Remember, strict observance of Ramadan requires nil-by-mouth after sunrise.)

– Martin Bonner
8 hours ago

2

@LaurentS. well, you shouldn't; I don't know how else to put it. Would you feel awkward going to a theme park and not going on a ride; or going to a shop and not buying anything; or going to a petting zoo and not touching an animal? Life is too short to feel awkward because you're doing something which you THINK is a little different, but is actually perfectly normal.

– UKMonkey
8 hours ago

1

@OldNick If it's really a "welcome lunch" for someone, it's not super cool to have the person of honor be stuck watching everyone else eat.

– Azor Ahai
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

15

Well I always find it a bit awkward when 1 of the guests doesn't eat at the restaurant, both for that guest and the others who are actually eating.

– Laurent S.
11 hours ago

7

+1 for attending and not eating or drinking. People have different beliefs, this way you can still meet the team but you're not forcing people who don't hold the same beliefs as you to change plans while still observing your own religion.

– Old Nick
8 hours ago

15

Attending a restaurant when you are hungry and thirsty is not my idea of fun. The OP may have different views of course. (Remember, strict observance of Ramadan requires nil-by-mouth after sunrise.)

– Martin Bonner
8 hours ago

2

@LaurentS. well, you shouldn't; I don't know how else to put it. Would you feel awkward going to a theme park and not going on a ride; or going to a shop and not buying anything; or going to a petting zoo and not touching an animal? Life is too short to feel awkward because you're doing something which you THINK is a little different, but is actually perfectly normal.

– UKMonkey
8 hours ago

1

@OldNick If it's really a "welcome lunch" for someone, it's not super cool to have the person of honor be stuck watching everyone else eat.

– Azor Ahai
4 hours ago

Well I always find it a bit awkward when 1 of the guests doesn't eat at the restaurant, both for that guest and the others who are actually eating.

– Laurent S.
11 hours ago

+1 for attending and not eating or drinking. People have different beliefs, this way you can still meet the team but you're not forcing people who don't hold the same beliefs as you to change plans while still observing your own religion.

– Old Nick
8 hours ago

Attending a restaurant when you are hungry and thirsty is not my idea of fun. The OP may have different views of course. (Remember, strict observance of Ramadan requires nil-by-mouth after sunrise.)

– Martin Bonner
8 hours ago

@LaurentS. well, you shouldn't; I don't know how else to put it. Would you feel awkward going to a theme park and not going on a ride; or going to a shop and not buying anything; or going to a petting zoo and not touching an animal? Life is too short to feel awkward because you're doing something which you THINK is a little different, but is actually perfectly normal.

– UKMonkey
8 hours ago

@OldNick If it's really a "welcome lunch" for someone, it's not super cool to have the person of honor be stuck watching everyone else eat.

– Azor Ahai
4 hours ago

|
show 2 more comments

I suggest that it's not necessary to explain why you can't make it to lunch. You can decline and suggest an alternate date.

There are some things that don't need to be discussed in the workplace, such as medical issues, home life, religion and so on.

For example, you might not be able to attend a lunch because:

You're fasting for religious reasons

You're preparing for a medical procedure that requires a specific diet

You want to remain available so that you're on call to tend to an ailing relative

You have a special diet because you're trying to make some weight loss goal

etc etc etc

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

Although I think it would be better to give the reason for declining the invitation (or asking that it be postponed), I agree that there's no obligation to do so.

– Andreas Blass
19 mins ago

add a comment |

I suggest that it's not necessary to explain why you can't make it to lunch. You can decline and suggest an alternate date.

There are some things that don't need to be discussed in the workplace, such as medical issues, home life, religion and so on.

For example, you might not be able to attend a lunch because:

You're fasting for religious reasons

You're preparing for a medical procedure that requires a specific diet

You want to remain available so that you're on call to tend to an ailing relative

You have a special diet because you're trying to make some weight loss goal

etc etc etc

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

Although I think it would be better to give the reason for declining the invitation (or asking that it be postponed), I agree that there's no obligation to do so.

– Andreas Blass
19 mins ago

add a comment |

I suggest that it's not necessary to explain why you can't make it to lunch. You can decline and suggest an alternate date.

There are some things that don't need to be discussed in the workplace, such as medical issues, home life, religion and so on.

For example, you might not be able to attend a lunch because:

You're fasting for religious reasons

You're preparing for a medical procedure that requires a specific diet

You want to remain available so that you're on call to tend to an ailing relative

You have a special diet because you're trying to make some weight loss goal

etc etc etc

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

I suggest that it's not necessary to explain why you can't make it to lunch. You can decline and suggest an alternate date.

There are some things that don't need to be discussed in the workplace, such as medical issues, home life, religion and so on.

For example, you might not be able to attend a lunch because:

You're fasting for religious reasons

You're preparing for a medical procedure that requires a specific diet

You want to remain available so that you're on call to tend to an ailing relative

You have a special diet because you're trying to make some weight loss goal

etc etc etc

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

answered 56 mins ago

Andy Lester

1,325713

Although I think it would be better to give the reason for declining the invitation (or asking that it be postponed), I agree that there's no obligation to do so.

– Andreas Blass
19 mins ago

add a comment |

Although I think it would be better to give the reason for declining the invitation (or asking that it be postponed), I agree that there's no obligation to do so.

– Andreas Blass
19 mins ago

Although I think it would be better to give the reason for declining the invitation (or asking that it be postponed), I agree that there's no obligation to do so.

– Andreas Blass
19 mins ago

add a comment |

-3

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

1

Eating lunch isn't part of work so i fail to see how this is a relevant answer. (Plus, superstition and communism? wut)

– Azor Ahai
24 mins ago

A welcome lunch is part of work. What's it you don't understand about superstition and communism?

– hensti
2 mins ago

There's no world where having to eat lunch is a requirement of being on the job. It's absurd to say someone has to eat because their coworkers are eating. And I'm curious why you've listed them together

– Azor Ahai
18 secs ago

add a comment |

-3

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

1

Eating lunch isn't part of work so i fail to see how this is a relevant answer. (Plus, superstition and communism? wut)

– Azor Ahai
24 mins ago

A welcome lunch is part of work. What's it you don't understand about superstition and communism?

– hensti
2 mins ago

There's no world where having to eat lunch is a requirement of being on the job. It's absurd to say someone has to eat because their coworkers are eating. And I'm curious why you've listed them together

– Azor Ahai
18 secs ago

add a comment |

-3

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

answered 27 mins ago

hensti

40315

1

Eating lunch isn't part of work so i fail to see how this is a relevant answer. (Plus, superstition and communism? wut)

– Azor Ahai
24 mins ago

A welcome lunch is part of work. What's it you don't understand about superstition and communism?

– hensti
2 mins ago

There's no world where having to eat lunch is a requirement of being on the job. It's absurd to say someone has to eat because their coworkers are eating. And I'm curious why you've listed them together

– Azor Ahai
18 secs ago

add a comment |

1

Eating lunch isn't part of work so i fail to see how this is a relevant answer. (Plus, superstition and communism? wut)

– Azor Ahai
24 mins ago

A welcome lunch is part of work. What's it you don't understand about superstition and communism?

– hensti
2 mins ago

There's no world where having to eat lunch is a requirement of being on the job. It's absurd to say someone has to eat because their coworkers are eating. And I'm curious why you've listed them together

– Azor Ahai
18 secs ago

Eating lunch isn't part of work so i fail to see how this is a relevant answer. (Plus, superstition and communism? wut)

– Azor Ahai
24 mins ago

A welcome lunch is part of work. What's it you don't understand about superstition and communism?

– hensti
2 mins ago

There's no world where having to eat lunch is a requirement of being on the job. It's absurd to say someone has to eat because their coworkers are eating. And I'm curious why you've listed them together

– Azor Ahai
18 secs ago

add a comment |

Umut Esen is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.

draft saved

draft discarded

Umut Esen is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.

Thanks for contributing an answer to The Workplace Stack Exchange!

Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

But avoid …

Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.

To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.

draft saved

draft discarded

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Name

Required, but never shown

Name

Required, but never shown

This page is only for reference, If you need detailed information, please check here

搜尋此網誌

Ttyjukl