The unwelcome guest: Dealing with relatives who arrive at your home unannounced
Most people normally tell their family members that they are welcome to visit at any time, but should it be an issue when they arrive at your place without warning?
Listen to KZN chats to Damon about the topic in the podcast, or read the details below:
Do you have family members that show up at your door unannounced, and it’s at the exact time you’re about to have dinner or sit down to help the kids with homework?
In most social cases, visiting someone’s home without calling ahead of time is considered rude, and I guess that’s whether you’re a friend or family.
The thing is, if every single time you welcome them with open arms and accommodate them completely, you are setting a precedent for the same thing to happen again and again.
Read: Is it rude to expect dinner guests to help clean up?
For me, it’s no big deal. If you arrive at my home without telling me, I may not be home, so it’s a gamble you’re going to take, and if it’s awkward timing and I’m on my way out as someone arrives, I’ll let them know.
But what happens when uninvited family guests arrive without notice and you’re at home, but you just really want some alone time? Do you try the “Well, it’s been great fun, but too bad you have to leave now?". Or the "It’s great to see you, but I’ve got stuff to attend to" approach?
Also read: Have you ever experienced the awful 'guests from hell'?
Just be ready for the fact that some friends and especially family just don’t get it and will just arrive unannounced.
Should uninvited relatives call ahead of time when they want to visit, or are they welcome to just pitch up at your home?