Re: Visitors!
 

Send them the bill for the calls.:mad:

Re: Visitors!
 

You have just reminded me of someone on here who actually downsized from their house to a one bedroom so noone could stay. If you go back on various threads, there are some shocking stories of what visitors have done.:eek:

Re: Visitors!
 

While of course the visitors are to blame for their appallling behaviours, the visitees are also to blame for allowing these types of behaviour. Drinking all your booze, eating all your food, expecting to be catered to at all times. It's rediculous just how many people try to take advantage...And how many allow it! For goodness sake people. Grow a backbone and stick up for yourselves!

Send a copy of the phone bill to the relatives who made the calls with a note explaining that while it was nice to have them come and stay you don't feel you should have to pay for them to make long distance phone calls without your prior consent.

Re: Visitors!
 

It is very very hard to say anything in these situations.

I am thinking that the next time non-family ask to come and stay, I am going to say "due to previous experience, all visitors must now pay $500 per person per week in advance. Their stay will then include all food and drink and tea and coffee and toilet paper and laundry detergent and electricity and gas and water and petrol etc etc etc"

Buzzy

Re: Visitors!
 

That sounds like a very good idea :thumbsup: I think they forget about the rise in utility bills (for long stays).

Re: Visitors!
 

visitors are like dead fish, after 3 days they stink!

Re: Visitors!
 

Def make up some rules.
We had MIL over a few months ago and it went better than expected. As they were only with us a short time we didnt ask for anything. However a couple of days after they left an envelope arrived with their board money in it:eek:
They must have posted it at the airport. Hubby wanted them to stay as our guests as it was short trip. But its nice to know that not everyone takes advantage.

I lived in Europe for a while before coming to WA, and have to admit my relatives treated it like a hotel! My sister was worst culprit and did nothing but insult us and take advantage.

Ive since decided if they come to OZ, we will have rules.

Gems

Re: Visitors!
 

I love these posts. I suppose because deep down you go over what you would do in that situation, so WHEN it happens to you, you have thought about it and are a bit more prepared.

Was just saying to hubbie I hope nobody tries to supprise us with a Christmas visit, our house is a tip!

Re: Visitors!
 

Its all good advice, but I think the thing is that you just get through the 'visit' and then at the end you think 'oh my goodness'! I am a real push over but I can't keep grafting so blinking hard and watching other people have a right old time. New house rules will definitely be imposed and its great advice to make sure people are clear before they have booked tickets or spent money. I am cautious about a fixed rate as I feel then they will expect a hotel and it's not that i want to make money but just not be bankrupted at the end! Good luck to everyone that has guests, it sound like some are fantastic and some are FAR worse than mine.
happy christmas too!
x

Re: Visitors!
 

They will anyway, even if you charge nothing.

Buzzy

Re: Visitors!
 

I've only had one lot of visitors, my sister and her mob - 2 adults, 3 kids. I read all these kind of posts beforehand and worried about what it was going to be like, but it was fab, maybe I'm just lucky, but they helped with meals, the kids did all the washing up etc like they do at home, they paid for most of the food, we shared the cost of all the places we visited, and it worked really well - no formal agreement, it just worked out that way - my sister and I even ended up squabbling at checkouts cos she kept insisting on paying :lol:

Re: Visitors!
 

Totally agree.... I can't quite understand it myself. We've had all the parents over and have had no problems. I always tell them what's expected before they come over just to clear up any misunderstandings before they happen. Even though they're my parents I don't expect them to know the rules in our house.

The first time I have anyone over in my house (whether just visiting for an hour or staying) I will get them a drink and show them where to find the cups/drinks, etc. Then I tell them after that if you want a drink feel free to grab it yourself because I'll likely forget. Oddly enough I never have anyone asking me for a drink, they just get it themselves!

So far all our visitors have done their own laundry and cleaned up after themselves. They usually help me with dinner and cleanup and do odd jobs as well. So far my dad's been here for 2 weeks and he's cleaned our pool several times, cleaned all our outdoor furniture & sunshade and even sprayed the outside for ants. I didn't ask for any of it, he just likes to help out (and I suspect keep himself busy!).

Re: Visitors!
 

I was going to ask how your Dad's visit is going. He's sure to be glad he's not home right now with the cold and snow, eh? I was back 2 weeks ago and it was in the -1 to +8 range with no snow. (well, except for the day we went shopping in Buffalo when it was -30 with a -40 wind chill.)

Re: Visitors!
 

Having the rellies over turns out to be a nightmare at times. When we came to Perth on a reccie we stayed in a backpackers place as i didn't fancy staying in the in-laws house. I like my own space.
But family are over now and although they are staying with BIL we have taken them out for meals and they never pay towards anything. I don't understand why they come on hoilday and expect free everything else too:confused:

Re: Visitors!
 

That's because you are both very nice people (and I know cause I've met them both) who have manners - it's a shame everyone is not like this.