Dearest Friends,

Thank you so much for the invitations to the regattas, your niece’s badminton championships and outdoor Moliere festivals. However, I must regrettably RSVP by saying that I am unable to attend.

As much as I would enjoy these al fresco events with you, I simply am not able. As you know, once a person is sufficiently sunburned, the sun has a much more devastating effect on the skin. You no longer burn. You…(shaking as I say this)…tan.

Obviously, tanning is unacceptable for a person in my position. I hope that you can understand.

In the meantime, I will see you indoors, or in the fall.