Thursday, March 26, 2009
GUESTHOOD
Our friend Lynda left this morning on the way to Phoenix before she returns to London.
We had a great time. It went very quickly.
She is a great guest.
Actually, most of the people who come to see us are pretty good guests.
They don't look to be entertained. They take care of themselves once they get the lay of the land.
They don't try to "take us out" or give us "hostess presents".
They make their beds every day and they don't strew their clothing from one end of the room to the other. This shouldn't bother me actually. I don't go into the rooms to see if the guest is orderly or not. But, somehow, we know. A sense of disorder.
A new wrinkle involves water use. A good guest doesn't flush unless it is necessary and doesn't take too many showers. One a day is sufficient. Especially if you swim in the pool and wallow in the spa. Maybe even one every other day.
A good guest praises the host's cooking but is open about likes and dislikes. Last night, onions for the hamburgers were on each plate. The guest asked to have them off. Good guest. Doesn't even want to smell them. She got a new plate.
A good guest doesn't ask "can I help?" more than once, if that. A guest is a guest not a helper.
A good guest also knows the host's routine and eccentricities like the early bedtime and so on. I did stay up one night until 9 and was well praised for the effort. I didn't go to the gym. That was also noticed. A good guest credits consideration.
A good guest should be able to go to the guest room or take a walk by themselves or use the pool on their own for a period of time every morning and afternoon. Constant conversation is a pain in the ass. Small talk is off the table.
Any guest worth their salt pays attention to the dog in a way that best suits them but they do pay some attention.
If they don't like dogs, then maybe they should shorten their visit. Attention must be paid.
The best guests go along on the dog walks and enjoy the dog personality.
Franklin is very responsive to level of interest. He doesn't ask much more than a guest is willing to give. Even if there is just a smidgeon of attention, he is OK. He reciprocates.
If they want to wrestle on the living room floor, it is better, and the guest will get tons of doggy attention. Franklin is versatile.
I am not often a guest but I try to follow these rules. I am especially good at going off on my own and letting people know what I would like and not like to do, eat and play at.
But that is another item. The good host. I will save that for another time.
