Manners Today: Declining An Invitation With "I'll Pass"

by Anthony
(Texas)

Isn't there a much more appropriate and gracious way to decline an invitation rather than " I think I'll pass"?

This says I am not interested or I don't feel like taking the time to attend your function/party/dinner,etc.

It is unfortunate to me that this response has become so well used that even some more gracious and well mannered folks have fallen into this cheap response.

There are so many other less insulting or aggravating responses that could/should be used in my estimation.

I have three brothers who occasionally decline our invitations, and each generally uses the so easy " I think I'll pass" response, without any other explanation as to why.

This aggravates me so that I am now asking for your help. I'm certain my mother, rest her soul, would not approve of their casual approach to proper manners, even among family members.

We are all male and in our sixty's, by the way, and certainly should know better in my view.
Am I right or just living in the past? Thanks