Q: At a recent party, a friend spilled red wine on my beige sofa slipcover. She apologized but never offered to pay for the damage. The dry-cleaning bill is sizable. I don’t want to start a fight, but shouldn’t she pay up?
A: Absolutely! But she didn’t-and it sounds like she’s not going to. Here’s what I’d do: The next time you see her, give her one more chance to do the right thing by exclaiming how relieved you are that the stain finally came out-albeit with the dry cleaner’s help. Still no offer to reimburse? If you value her friendship, drop the issue. Pressing harder will only make for an awkward situation. Take her apology as sincere and try to see the silver lining-your couch has never looked so clean, right?
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I totally disagree. I have hosted numerous parties for my two children and mishaps occur. I have NEVER expected to be reimbursed from my guests for damages that were accidents, and they are ALL accidents. No one intentionally spills things and intends to damage anything.
I have had wine, soda, kool-aid type stains and rips and damaged toys and thats just part of the cost of hosting parties in your home.
Am I really wrong in this and should insult my guest with a drycleaing bill?
Paula, the original answer is premised upon the assumption that the guest would offer to pay for damages, but when they do not, the host should not pursue them for it. A gracious and concerned guest should offer to pay; a gracious host will not ask them to, but if the guest offers, should feel fine in accepting. If I damaged something in another’s home, I would want to pay for it. I don’t think you and the original answer are far apart, as we would never dun a guest for damages without them stepping forward first.