Having family visit is great. You miss them and they miss you. But, let’s be honest here, it can get a bit much sometimes. They get into your personal space and give you advice on how to run your life – advice you didn’t want to hear in the first place.
Yes, you really are happy to see them and catch up. Of course you are, you love them. But that doesn’t make it any easier. So, to help you out, here are some tips on how to host visiting family without losing your sanity.
Let them chill when they arrive
Whether they’ve driven from another city or flown halfway around the world, they’re going to be tired. And tired people get irritated. So don’t crowd around them when they arrive. Rather let them unpack and then relax. Get out the patio furniture, light a fire and pour them a drink.
There’s no need to bombard them with questions from the get go, they’re going to be around a while. Nobody wants to be interrogated before they’ve become comfortable with their surroundings.
Plan activities outside the house
If you spend too many waking hours within the same four walls, an argument is almost guaranteed to break out. The best way to avoid getting on each other’s nerves is to get out and do something. Plan events and fun activities that will keep everyone smiling. Wherever you stay, there are probably many different sights to see and things to do.
Of course, you’ve got to make sure ahead of time that everyone is happy with the plan. You don’t want one person complaining non-stop because they hate sand and you took them to the beach.
Give them space
Some days just let them do their own thing. That way you aren’t in charge and don’t have to worry about them having fun the entire time. You can’t spend every waking moment entertaining them, it’s too much pressure. Let them decide how they want to spend some of their time while you sit at home relaxing or going about your business.
Life doesn’t stop just because you have guests, so let them do their thing while you do yours. That way you’ll be happy to see each other again when it comes time for dinner.
If you’re having family visit anytime soon, keep these tips in mind to help you stay sane. View the Pole Yard’s range of wooden garden furniture.
