“Excuse Me, Hostess, What’s for Dinner?”: Workmen After Fitting a New Window – Imagine, they insisted I feed them! I immediately rang their boss and told him everything. Not long ago, we had the window in my son’s room replaced. My husband was at work, my son at school. While waiting for the workmen, I closed the doors to the other rooms so they couldn’t peek inside. My home is tidy, but I don’t like strangers looking around my rooms. Three men arrived to fit the new window, greeting me rather noisily. Their behaviour embarrassed me a little—I don’t understand this sort of conduct from people I’ve just met. It only got worse from there. One of the men went up to a closed door, opened it, and had a good look around: – Are we replacing the window here or not? – And without waiting for an answer, he opened the next room’s door. – Why are you opening the door? You can see it’s closed. You should ask first; this isn’t your house. I’ll show you exactly where and what you need to do. It took the workmen about five hours to fit the window. If they’d gone out for fewer smoke breaks, it might have been done sooner. As they started packing up their tools, I put the kettle on. I wanted to say goodbye to them and then enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before cleaning the room where the window was replaced. Suddenly, the man who’d been opening doors walked into the kitchen and said: – I see you’re cooking something. Are you making us dinner? I hadn’t expected anything like that. – No. I’ve no idea what you’ll have for dinner—I imagine whatever your wives cook for you. – We’ve been here nearly five hours, we’re tired and hungry. Our customers always feed us. Could you make some sandwiches? And if we’d had to stay till evening, would you really let us go hungry? – Even then, I wouldn’t have fed you. You’re not here as guests, you’re here to work. I’m paying for your services—it’s your responsibility to sort your own meals. I didn’t give them any food, and they left my flat in a huff. I’ve never experienced such cheek in my life. Did they honestly think I’d lay out dinner for them? Whenever we’ve had building work in the past, the tradesmen always brought their own food—sometimes they’d ask for water, but that was it. I don’t believe it’s the customer’s job to provide food. It’s a professional arrangement and has nothing to do with sharing meals.

So, listen to thissomething really odd happened the other day when I had a new window fitted in my sons room. My husband was off at work and our son was at school, so it was just me at home waiting for the workmen.

I went around shutting all the other room doors before they arrivedI mean, my house is tidy enough, but you never know, I just dont like strangers poking around in my things.

Three blokes turned up, proper noisy with their hellos and all. To be honest, their brash manner put me on edge straight away. I just dont get it, being all matey when youve only just met.

Then it only got worse. One of them marched right up to a closed door, cracked it open and started poking his head about.

So, are we doing the window in here then or what? No sooner did the words come out of his mouth than hed already gone and opened another door without even waiting for my answer.

I had to pull him up. I said, Excuse me, you can see thats closed. You should always ask before you start opening doors, this isnt your house. Ill show you what needs doing.

Anyway, they took nearly five hours to get the window sorted in the endwouldve been quicker if they werent always nipping out for a cigarette.

Once they were done and packing away their bits, I put the kettle on for myself. Just fancied a quiet brew before I had to start the job of cleaning up the room after them.

Next thing I know, the same bloke whod been opening doors just strolls into the kitchen and goes, I see youre making somethingare you going to give us some tea to eat?

Can you believe that? I was stunned.

I just said, No, I havent cooked you anything. Whatever youre having for tea, Im sure your own wives will sort that out.

He looked surprised and goes, But weve been here nearly five hours. Were tired and hungryour customers always make sure were fed. Couldnt you just do some sandwiches? What if we were here till evening, would you just let us go hungry?

Honestly, I told them straight: Even if youd stayed all night, I wouldnt feed you. Youre here to work, not visit, and Im paying youyour meals are your own lookout.

They left looking right put out and I just couldnt believe the cheek of it, honestly.

Did they really expect me to lay out a spread? Back when weve had work done before, lads brought their own lunches, maybe asked for a glass of water at mostand even then, not always.

In my mind, you dont owe your tradesmen food. Its a business arrangement, not some family dinner, isnt it?