Friend wants to take dinner to my dad. We would eat with him, play Christmas music and talk. Probably wouldn't be more than 45 minutes. He doesn't want this to happen. Seemed very upset about it when I told him we were planning this. I am tired of putting forth the effort when all he does is say "no" and complain. He has no friends. Only people he sees other than me and my family are his home health nurse and physical therapist. Yes, he is depressed and takes 2 antidepressants. Refuses to increase dosage as doctor ordered.
Of course when We look and feel at Our very best We would have the confidence to go any where or meet with any one, but Our Love one no longer feel this way and are happier to withdraw Themselves and remain in the shadows. I'm sure when We are old and dependent We will feel this way too.
Today a very sweet friend wanted me to bring my mom to her home (she's married). My mom just couldn't handle that and I'd be so worried for her, I wouldn't enjoy the visit either. My mom can handle about 10 minutes and that's it. So depending on your dad's personality/cognitive abilities, and overall personality, it might be more difficult for him to be social (which seems easy to you) than you know. I'd let him be who he wants to be...unless he's complaining about being lonely.
We can wish things were different, but sometimes we just have to accept the way they are. It may just be depression with your dad, but unless you feel the visit from your friends would be therapeutic, I would forget the idea. Maybe you could have dinner with them, then bring him a plate he could enjoy.