What should a host do if the already-over-stayed guest just won't leave? I had a real bad experience. I understand that my guest (with few additional members) had some official work to complete besides visiting few tourist places. What was supposed to be an overnight stay, gets extended to the 4th day. Unfortunately, that 4th day was a monday and it was getting tough for me to manage the "mehman-nawazi" - taking care of breakfast, packing lunch, their bedrooms, etc. Finally I had to dictate them the process to get their official work done. I had to force them to get their things done and "avoid over stress" for his other family members. I think I might have overreacted. But if I won't have reacted, then I'm not sure how long I would have dragged the problem.
Things that I learned, since ours is busy family during work-hours in weekdays, was that insist on having a well defined timeline and define it well in advance.
What do you think? How should such situations be handled. Obviously courtest, respect and maintaining the relationship takes priority over any preaching. But where to draw the line?
Location: British Columbia
Posted on: 21-07-09 20:17:06
Quote:
Originally posted by sville
What should a host do if the already-over-stayed guest just won't leave? I had a real bad experience. I understand that my guest (with few additional members) had some official work to complete besides visiting few tourist places. What was supposed to be an overnight stay, gets extended to the 4th day. Unfortunately, that 4th day was a monday and it was getting tough for me to manage the "mehman-nawazi" - taking care of breakfast, packing lunch, their bedrooms, etc. Finally I had to dictate them the process to get their official work done. I had to force them to get their things done and "avoid over stress" for his other family members. I think I might have overreacted. But if I won't have reacted, then I'm not sure how long I would have dragged the problem.
Things that I learned, since ours is busy family during work-hours in weekdays, was that insist on having a well defined timeline and define it well in advance.
What do you think? How should such situations be handled. Obviously courtest, respect and maintaining the relationship takes priority over any preaching. But where to draw the line?
Thats not a fun situation to be in for anyone. Its uncomfortable because the guests can be friends or families or whatever. However, having said that remember that its one thing to be polite and respectful and another to be taken advantage of. They sound like they are not considering respect and courtesy and your hospitality. So you need to take a stand to take care of your family's needs, even at the expense of looking like a bad host.
are you making their breakfasts and lunches and cleaning their rooms? Did they offer to help you?
Next time I would say "we really enjoyed having you spend time with us and we hope you enjoyed your time. THis week will be really busy for us as little daughter has many activities and little son has some games. But if you need a ride to the airport / hotel or whatever please dont hesitate to ask. Just let us know"
IF they still have the guts to say that they are not going anywhere..then your guests are being very clueless or very manipulative. either way - not respectful. You may have to be firm and forget about how it looks and say "im sorry, humare liye mushkil hai aap ka yahan pe rehna. " and be firm and stick to it.
If they are visiting touristy places and shelling out money for admission prices, then they are happy that they dont have to pay for a hotel.
By the way, My parents have had this happen to them too.
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