The last time I hosted guests, I realised its a massively thankless task. Let me explain.
First, you have to pop down to the supermarket, whip up a meal worthy of MasterChef, then wash a small mountain of dishes, tidy every corner of the house before your guests arrive and again after they leave. And lets be honest, not all guests are exactly delightful. All this eats up a ridiculous amount of time and energy. In the end, you barely get to enjoy their company, let alone actually relax.
To make matters trickier, some guests behave as if your house is just an extension of their own. They quite forget the guest part of being a guest.
These sorts dont think twice about rummaging through every cupboard, fondlingsometimes even trying onyour clothes, and helping themselves to your computer (which might just contain every crucial work document you possess). Theres no hesitation to poke about in the fridge, pinching snacks with the confidence of a cat whos never been told no. It truly tests the limits of British politeness.
And as if thats not enough, no one ever volunteers to help lay the table or tidy up afterwards. Some will lounge about until midnight, utterly oblivious to the fact that you might rather like to go to bed.
But I did find a solution: outings to a restaurant or café, where everyone pays for themselves, works a treat. Alternatively, invite everyone to a picnic or barbecue in the parkeveryone brings something, everyone cooks, and crucially, everyone helps clean up.
Most of my friends agree with me on this front. Perhaps my candid little rant will get you to reconsider the whole business of hosting at home. Meet up with your mates and family to unwind, not to run yourself ragged!
