How to say Bye When Holiday Guests won’t leave
July 21, 2008
The holidays are here, there are lots of comings and goings, perhaps a bit too much of staying over. Sometimes, friends and family that are having such a good time celebrating Christmas, Dusshera or Diwali at your place, forget they have a home to go to. But, of course, all good things must come to an end, as the hosts sway tiredly on their feet, desperate for some peace and quiet so that they can go to sleep. Here are some tips and tricks for handling guests, party stragglers and houseguests who won’t leave.
Know How to Say Good-Bye
If guests won’t leave after a party, it is perfectly acceptable and in line to suggest politely it’s time to leave. You can say: “Oh, dear, just look at the time! I didn’t realize it was so late. I’m going to let you nice people go home, so you can retire for the night.” Or, “It’s been wonderful having you. We really enjoyed it. I’ll get you a taxi.”
Outwit A Long-Term House Guest
If, you don’t want to play host, tell aspiring guests that it will be impossible for them to stay with you. Simply say, “It’s just not a good time for me.” In case, someone is staying over, be very clear about how long the person is invited to stay: “Make yourself at home, but only through Friday night, as I’m having the living room painted this weekend.”
Other ideas to ensure guests don’t overstay their welcome are not to get a sofa bed, but let them sleep on the floor. Don’t give them a comfortable mattress to sleep on, make sure that it is old and lumpy. Ensure your refrigerator is poorly stocked. Stock it with only dairy products. Tell them to fend for themselves as far as food or meal times are concerned. Don’t give them an extra key to your home; tell them that you only have one key to the door.
Learn how to say goodbye in such a manner, while it is not rude, it does get your message across that your guests have overstayed their welcome and you want to get back your home. But, in India it may be hard getting the message across, as being a hospitable country, guests have been treated like God since time immemorial, However, one can try and hope that changing times have driven the message home that there is such a thing as an unwanted guest!































