Q: Last year, we let some friends use our beach house – but they ate everything in sight and left the place a mess! They’ve asked for a weekend this year. Can we say no without hurting the friendship?
A: You have every right to ban these sloppy folks from using your home. Be diplomatic and it won’t be a friendship-ender. Politely say “We’re not able to have people use our place this year, but we can give you the number of a nice B&B nearby.” This approach won’t single them out, but they’ll get the hint and maybe think twice about their manners.
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What if the messy guest is a family member?
“I’m sorry, but we aren’t loaning the house out this year; we had a problem last year with people stripping the cupboard bare and leaving the place a mess. I’ll be happy to help you find another place to rent.” Stick to your guns. Maybe give them one more chance next year, and if they don’t improve, don’t loan it again.