<p>ok, so pretty soon i will be going to visit my parents’ close friend (she’s in her 70s) in california. she has a nice house on the beach, and really wants me to come, she is like my grandmother. i will fly there by myself. however, i would really like it if i could bring my best friend with me on the trip. (it’s summer and we barely see each other due to her family conflicts) but i don’t know if i should even ask to bring her because she wasn’t technically invited. should i just go by myself or ask about my friend?</p>
<p>If she (let’s call her G) lives alone, then I think she wants the company.
If you ask, then be sure to make it very clear that the two of you will be spending your time with G.
If you don’t actually intend to spend your time with G, don’t even bother.</p>
<p>Go by yourself, original invitation was for you, alone, not you plus one. Poor manners to impose on your hostess. Cut your visit short with G to spend time with your friend at home. Why would your friend want to spend time with your G?</p>