DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a couple of friends who text me infrequently. Their texts are always things like, “You home?” “Whatcha doing?” “You busy?” I never know how to respond. If I say “Yes, I’m home” or “I’m doing nothing,” they then ask if I want to get together for a drink. Since they have already established that I am not busy, it seems rude if I say no. But if I say “Why?” when they ask if I’m busy, that also seems rude on my part. What do you suggest? How can I politely respond while indicating I’d like to know what the real question is? I like these friends, and do enjoy a drink, but …
