Among Friends

[Flatbush]

I feel a bit guilty asking this, but do you like and enjoy guests who sleep over?

I am trying my best and am on good behavior, but I cannot wait til DH and I  are alone again.

I don't like having to get dressed for breakfast, make a small ( 2 items) machine wash so they don't have to take soiled clothes home ( and we have a severe water drought ), take then sight seeing, provide all meals, constant talking, etc .

So, fess up and tell me what you think.

Please.

[BlueFinch]

No, I'm not fond of overnight visitors and definitely not for several nights. If you're a good host, it's a lot of work making your home like a high end B&B for your guests, while also providing for their entertainment and sight seeing. While it can be fun, at times, it is also exhausting to have personal routines dramatically changed.

Now if it is someone I know very well who I can totally relax with and they aren't dependent on me for every moment of their visit, I can roll with it. 

I also don't like to overnight myself at someone else's home. I much prefer to get a hotel and just meet up with them when it's convenient for them, since I know it's stressful for many to have in home guests.

And, if I do stay in someone's home, I pitch in with every activity and treat the hosts to nice dining and outings. As one should, but you often don't see.

[freakygirl]

nope! i'm with you. and since i don't enjoy having house guests, whenever we visit friends or family, we stay in a hotel. i don't want to burden anyone, no matter how close we are or how much they insist on having us stay over. 

[FLgardener]

This truly depends on whether or not you are an introvert. I am one. If I have advance notice, I a am a great host and enjoy it. Spur of the moment--I am a great host, but have to grin and bear it.

[Desertdi]

I don't have one extra square foot of floor space....   And, it's very difficult to EXPLAIN THIS to my Eastern and Midwestern in-laws, who would all like to "winter with me". 

I have a casita....meant for ONE person (or two if you sleep in the same bed)....    When my mother stayed here in her final years, I kept my clothes in the garage and slept on a love seat.    It's THAT small!

[phoenixbrd]

I think it also depends on the reason for the house guests.  Recently, there have been many displaced Floridians that could be living with relatives in other areas.  I'm sure I would have a lot more compassion and patience with guests who are suffering loss and trauma.  Even so, I would hope that the guests would be considerate and pitch in as much as possible.

[FLgardener]

@Desertdi , Bless you for caring for your mother with such love. That said, your casita must now feel like a sanctuary, deservedly so.

[Desertdi]

@FLgardener     Thank you.   di

[catter70]

I couldn't stand that. I get edgy after an hour or 2. I also never enjoyed being at someone else's home overnight, either.

[Roscoe the Rascal]

Nope never liked it but I let people.  Never happens any more.  Everyone likes their own bed and everyone that comes is pretty close.  Long distance one stay in hotels and their choice.  

My step son and his wife (now an x) use to come for Christmas and stay what seemed forever with the 4 small children.  She was the one that would sit on her butt and have me do everything.  Hello, I just did all of Christmas and then some.   I was always glad when they packed up and left.  Place was always a mess too and that never sits well with me.

I do not miss those days at all.