Why can't my friends decide where to eat out?

How about you give me their email address and I'll ask them for you, if you

won't do it yourself.  You might as well turn that question around and ask yourself why YOU

can't decide which restaurant to eat out at if you're not willing to have open communication

with your friends.  It's likely that this is your real problem.

Open and honest communication is the foundation of powerful relationships.  A group of

friends cannot just decide to go out to eat, someone has to be the originator of the

thought.  As interconnected as we are, we haven't reached borg-mind yet. The originator of

the thought must have some idea in their mind about how they want the event to look like. 

Sharing that idea just might give the inspiration needed to get the group moving if the

originator can't figure out how to bring that idea into reality.  Give credit where credit

is due.  The one who brings your group together for that event should be recognized for

their contribution and perhaps, given a controlling interest in the details. 

If one particular person in your group refuses to participate except to negate any

suggestions, a gentle reminder to put up or shut up if they have nothing to contribute, may

be what they need to inspire their creative side.  Social groups exist for the mutual

betterment of the individual members.  If your social group isn't providing that benefit, it

may be time to rethink your dinner plans.  You owe it to your peers and yourself to provide

them with open and honest feedback for their participation.  If the originator of the plans

is allowed to take responsibility for the outcome, instead of spreading it around by

hem-hawing, your groups will quickly establish a hierarchy of event-planners.

If someone doesn't like a particular plan, they are responsible for crafting an alternative,

or removing their person from the discussion and/or event.  Eventually your social group

with either implode (which would be no great loss in the grand scheme of things), or grow

stronger knowing that each individual is working towards enriching the value of the group.

So, food for thought.  Let me know how it works out for you.