“No guest is so welcome in a friend’s house that he will not become a nuisance after three days.” –Titus Maccius Plautus.
And to think I thought this little proverb was penned by Benjamin Franklin. Who knew? However, it was Mr. Franklin that added this to his Poor Richard’s Almanac. But Ben threw in the fish analogy. Probably because he lived on the coast.
I love to have people in my home. I have a bedroom that I keep with fresh sheets. If a friend is over and needs to stay, it’s all hers. More than once, I have had gals call and say, “I just need a break. I am coming over.” And over them come. I look forward to and enjoy those calls.
I don’t really worry. Basically, they get to eat whatever is in the cupboards and the fridge. And the cleaning I usually get to before they arrive is the bathroom and vacuuming. All in all, they know the routine, and it works out pretty good.
But I can honestly say, there have been some who just don’t know how to play the game. They are rare, to be sure, but they exist. You know the kind. Here are a few characteristics of these unusual suspects:
-They never offer to bring anything.
-They don’t pick up after themselves.
-They don’t send a thank you note or reciprocate in any way.
-They leave wet towels in a pile – somewhere.
-They eat you out of house and home.
– and if they stay more than a couple of days, they never lift a finger to help clean.
Now, that’s a bit drastic, but I have heard some horror stories from friends. Thus the above list. Again, I can honestly say, I can’t even remember the last time someone that fits that list stayed at my house. I am fortunate to boast very polite friends. But these other folks do exist. And they are the ones that good ole Titus refers too.
Interestingly, it’s not just the lack of manners that get to us. A person can be the BEST guest you have ever had, but in time, you just want to get back to your old routine and reclaim your space as your very own. Not sure why that is, but it is what it is. We are creatures of habit. And we like our own routines.
I guess the thought I would leave with you today is this: the next time you are a guest, be sure you are the very best guest you can be. And then, find a way to make your exit within a 72 hour period. It’s just better for everyone, all the way around.
Just my thoughts.
S.