Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

I received an invitation from a family that used to live nearby for a family band concert.  We cannot attend because we already have plans for that day, but I note without much emotion, that this is one of dozens of "invitations" sent over the years where I would not actually "catch up" or talk directly to them.  I'm wanted as audience.  I have been to several of their performances, but gradually I noticed that they never came to my kids' events.  Too busy.  They wanted another body to fill out the room, and I gradually allowed myself to feel no guilt at not being "supportive".  We used to be friends, but now they want to show off, but not engage.  So I take the email announcements as a vast blanket mailing and know it's not personal.  There is no curiosity about me or my family; I'm only a warm body in the room.  My guilt has vanished and I blithely thank them and refuse.  Some people have few skills in the friendship area, and I know these are good people, just not sensitive, or actually interested in me.