SusanM:

That is an interesting post buggie. You start by arguing that you are just referring to this one single instance and thus it is not a big deal if people are left out, just this one single time. Then you end by arguing that yes, this may be just one single time but it represents a bigger picture and thus deserves to be taken seriously.

So, which is it?

That's not what I said at all...I was arguing that the overarching rule shouldn't be that you have to invite everyone everywhere in pairs, but sure, if you want to, you can. People were arguing that the LW had some sort of problem with the partners or that they never wanted to meet them. That may or may not be true, but the point is, she doesn't want them at this party.

The overarching problem is prudie's advice, the "rules" that apply to couples vs. singles for no apparent reason. People grasp onto these things all the time, and yes the issue does deserve to be taken seriously.