Do you always welcome guests to your house with open arms?

1. 75

   silverstararrowposted 11 years ago

   Do you always welcome guests to your house with open arms?
   
   Should guests (distant relatives or friends) turn up unexpectedly at your house for an extended stay (lets say a fortnight or a month), would be a welcoming host? Or would you try a few tricks to drive them away?

   replyreport
2. 59

   Leaderofmanyposted 11 years ago

   Depends on the guest, Some I would slam the door shut in their face. I would hope that they got the hint. Others I would put up no matter what. I would hope the guest coming would know if they were welcome or not at my home.

   replyreport
   1. 75

      silverstararrowposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is exactly how I feel as well. It would save everyone a lot of hassle if the guests knew for themselves whether they were welcome or not.

      replyreport
3. 0

   msorenssonposted 11 years ago

   I have only had two guests that stayed with me. One family member and one couple from India...
   I would not drive them away..if I opened my door, it means they can stay as long as they wished..
   Hence only two in twelve years...

   replyreport
4. 75

   algarveviewposted 11 years ago

   No, I don't appreciate that kind of behaviour, I think my house is my castle, it's where I feel safe and confortable and I don't like to have unexpected guests and extended stays, etc. I welcome guests, but I need to know exactly when they are coming and for how long they are staying, because my house is not an Hotel. The same way I really dislike staying at other people's houses, I much rather stay at an Hotel, it's nothing personal, it's just that I really need my space...

   replyreport
5. 60

   nightwork4posted 11 years ago

   not a chance. if someone showed up and just expected to stay, it would show disrespect towards me and my family and i would tell them to get lost. i would let a friend stay as long as they wanted if they asked before just showing up though.

   replyreport
6. 58

   TheLifeExperimentposted 11 years ago

   As much as I'd like to say that I'd gladly accept them, I wouldn't. I'm extremely territorial (sounds stupid, I know), and I kind of hate it when people come over unexpectedly, especially for that long of a time. I have stuff to do! Also, guests (for me) usually expect me and my family to just cancel our plans and cater to their every need- cooking meals, driving them places, etc. I'd much rather just meet up with them somewhere else.

   replyreport
   1. 85

      Express10posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I completely agree. It's inconvenient when you're not in the mood, not expecting, and did not invite them.

      replyreport
7. 62

   Lisa HWposted 11 years ago

   I'm always happy to have guests, and I do what I can to make them feel comfortable and welcome, BUT....
   
   Whether they're coming for a half hour or two weeks, I do prefer they let me know they'll be showing up.  The surprise short-term guest isn't such a big deal, but it's always nicer to know someone is going to showing up. 
   
   When it comes to someone who would show up unexpectedly with a month's worth of luggage and a big life crisis (or even a smaller one), it would depend on who did (or would EVER do) that.  If it were one of my grown kids - my door and arms are always open to them.  If it were someone else who did that I'd probably think they had mental health (or at least "horrendous ignorance") issues that prevented them from knowing that "You don't do that!" so I'd let them in, be polite, and be thinking of what I'd do next to let them know they make other plans. Essentially, I'd be pretty wary of the "can of worms" someone like that was about to release into my home and/or life. (lol) (I mean, really - if you're suddenly homeless and penniless and the weather outside is bad, can you at least borrow someone's cell phone or borrow change for a pay phone to call and warn me that you'll be showing up?   (lol)  )

   replyreport
8. 0

   Starmom41posted 11 years ago

   I don't like anyone showing up unexpectedly at all, regardless of how long they want to stay. 
   It's basic manners to call/contact someone first-  you could be busy, not home, or simply not want company.

   replyreport
9. 39

   alisha4uposted 11 years ago

   Interesting question...
   
   Well, morally you should welcome your guests no matter what...
   But, sometimes I don't appreciate someone just bumping in at the odd hour...I hate it especially when they try to intervene in my privacy....
   
   But, you know what, I think I should just mend myself a little for this kinda attitude...Though, I manage to keep that weird smile always
   
   I look forward to reading more answers on this.... They are gonna be interesting...

   replyreport
10. 57

    PoojaMehta0911posted 11 years ago

    Not always... It actually depends on the kind of guest and mood. but sometimes you are left with no option than to welcome them with a big smile.....

    replyreport
11. 85

    Express10posted 11 years ago

    I would not be welcoming. I had this happen and lost an adult friend over this. Adult is the key word here. If you are over the age of 18, you pay your own way in life and consider how your actions can impact others. I am not responsible for providing a roof over your head for any period of time, nor am I responsible for catering to your whims of dropping by uninvited. My home is that, mine.
    
    The friend decided to book a trip from out of state saying she was visiting her parents. She called me at the airport asking for a ride to MY house at the last minute. I told her to get a rental car so she could get to her parents' home. I don't like uninvited guests. She told me that she wanted to stay with me and I refused. We have not spoken since. She traveled hundreds of miles and wrongly assumed that she could spend several days with me. I have tried to make my home a retreat from stress and nonsense that we find in this world. No way am I inviting it in.

    replyreport
12. 60

    Disturbiaposted 11 years ago

    Everyone is welcome in my home.  However, I think it would be exceptionally rude to just drop in on someone for an extended stay without any warning.  If someone were to do that to me, I would gladly help them secure accommodations at the nearest Holiday Inn.   However, I have a big house with lots of room so if a friend were in trouble or needed a place to stay for a time, I would have no trouble putting them up.  It's just a matter asking first.

    replyreport
13. 61

    freecampingaussieposted 11 years ago

    Where we grew up it was the done thing to call on each other if in the area for a coffee & chat & it was before the days of mobile phones . We were always welcomed with a big warm smile & invited in & we would do the same .
    Even where we brought our kids up it was the same & nobody used to ring up for permission to call in for a coffee so I am amazed at how many would get mad at someone doing that as it used to be nice getting an unexpected visitor even if we were busy !!
    For an extended stay they would normally ask first but if a friend rang from the airport to surprise us we would happily pick them up and find them somewhere to sleep & have a great time with them .

    replyreport
14. 95

    cat on a soapboxposted 11 years ago

    I love hosting people and sharing my home; however, I like advance notice of visitors and don't have room for houseguests longer than 1-2 nights because it means my daughter has to give up her room. I would always be hospitable to unexpected guests and do my best to find local accomodations while inviting them to join us for breakfast or lunch and sightseeing the next day.

    replyreport