Dear Eric >> A relatively new friend has invited me to a third dinner at her home, and I do not want to attend. Her first two meals were simply not well-prepared and not good.

One meal included fish that had an unappetizing odor as she fried it and also had an unpleasant “off” taste when I tried to eat it. She also served barely warm, bland mashed potatoes and overcooked, unseasoned vegetables. No butter or sauces for anything.

When I helped her clean up after the meal, I placed the leftover fish into the refrigerator. I could tell the interior was not very cold. Perhaps the fish had been sitting in the refrigerator uncooked for too long a time and was beginning to spoil.

The second meal at her home consisted of hummus that had been sitting out uncovered so long it had started to develop a crust.

Also, there were crackers and plain, overcooked broccoli to eat with the hummus. I ate only a small amount at each meal, telling her I was not very hungry.

Since I have decided not to eat another meal that she has cooked, I do not know how to tell her I am not interested in a third invitation to dinner.

She has asked me to pick a date when I can come. Other than her cooking, she makes a good friend. How can I bow out gracefully from attending her home for meals?

— Lost My Appetite

Dear Appetite >> You’ve painted quite a vivid picture. After reading this letter, I’m not hungry either. I can see why you don’t want to go back.

Criticizing another person’s cooking can be a tricky thing. If you think there’s something technically awry, like the temperature of her refrigerator, you can alert her — and potentially help her avoid illness. But it sounds like the bigger issue is one of ... well, taste.

I do hate being avoidant, but in this case the most palatable path may be to ask for another activity other than dinner. Perhaps, it’s a movie or an outing instead. You could even reverse the invitation and have her over.

If you emphasize that you’re very interested in spending time together, but you’d rather eat at home, you honor her intention without having to make an unsavory compromise.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com