Or take invites to parties

I completely understand what you are talking about, but we need to see this from the other person's perspective, sometimes it is us doing the invitations, or trying to gift something to someone because we appreciate that person, and we wouldn't like to be rejected or to be seen as annoying, although we all know there is the possibility of it happening.

But that kind of boredom you are experiencing for having to go to that encounter is something that happens to everyone.

I hope the gift is worth the trip :)