Dear Mindy,
I recently received an email from someone I only know through work. She wants to come visit, stay with me, and essentially asked me to be her tour guide. Hospitality is not my thing. How do I handle this in a polite way without relinquishing my life for the few days she’s here?
From,
Mrs. Non-hospitality
Dear Mrs. Non-hospitality,
It always amazes me when people invite themselves in to our lives and homes. Their assumption is peculiar to say the least and their audacity is usually harmless. However, their lack of common sense does not require us to just be a yes girl when we don’t feel led to do so and not wanting someone to stay in our home doesn’t make us unkind. If you haven’t replied to your potential uninvited guest here is what I recommend you say,
Here’s what you say:
“Hi so &so, How exciting you’ll be headed this way. I’d love to make time to connect. Let me check my schedule to see when I’m free during the days you’ll be in town. If you’re anything like me, you like to have a plan so I attached a list of my favorite hotels in the area and the rental car information near the airport. Be in touch as it gets closer. Can’t wait to meet you in person.
*Rule of thumb, never immediately agree to something. Second rule of thumb, Offer an alternative to what you are not interested in providing*
Definition of a guest:
A person who is invited to visit the home of or take part in a function organized by another.
This is so perfect!!