And I know if I raise it, I'll be dismissed or disregarded.

So, I've planned my escape. I know exactly what I'll do if some joke is cracked about how this lunch was planned. I'll leave. I know how to get back home.

Personally, I'm hoping for a soul-crushing migraine, but we'll see.

Aunt & Uncle and Mother are thrilled we're all getting together.

Meanwhile, I'm left wondering what happened to my East Indian lunch, and why am I invisible yet again?

Oh, right, because I'm single and childless, I have to accommodate those who aren't.

I cancel the reservation completely.

Sister then gets involved. She's available on the new day. Through a lot of back and forth (and my resignation of the planning after Sister says it's too far to drive), it's finally decided on a place in nearby city.

Aunt agrees.

I changed the reservation.

Brother then says we have to change the time and the location because his child will only eat burgers and fries when they're out and the original restaurant doesn't look child friendly.

Most recent one? I planned a 3 person lunch for myself and 2 older relatives at an East Indian restaurant. My aunt loves naan bread. Made reservations.

My mother suggested I see if my brother is available on that day.

He isn't, but he's available the following week.

My asking to get together for dinner or something because we live in the same city?

"We'll get back to you."

I follow up a week later.

"Now is not a good time."

I follow up a week later.

"I said we'll get back to you."

I give up. Still no plans.

My going to their place 2 hours away? It involves me planning a trip to our mother's, and booking time off work.

Their coming to mine? 2 hours is too far away.