How do You feel when relatives drop in unexpectedly?

I prefer people to let me know before they call round so I can have a bit of a tidy up first. People always seem to come round when the house is a mess or I am busy or I'm going out (and already late!) It can be annoying, but I'd rather people came by unexpectedly than not at all.

I prefer for people to call ahead, but that does not always happen. I try to keep things straightened up, but with three children there is always a stray sock, toys, etc. If I have a warning, I can atleast be sure I have some refreshments to offer them and can plan for time to visit with them, show pictures, etc. I have noticed that when I do a white glove cleaning I will not have any visitors for a few days. On a down day when I could care less about the mess is when everyone seems to stop by.

I guess I prefer to have them call first so that i could at least prepare the place. But if they do come to visit me and surprise me then I have no choice but to accept them.

Nope, not at all. However if it's my own family, it's fine. But if it's my husband's side of the family, then I'd rather they call, and let me get the house in order - at least tidy up a bit!

I am not against visiting relatives and luckily, we do not have the kind of relatives who would keep dropping in for free meals and all. So, I just love the surprise element when relatives drop in unexpectedly. It can be irritating if the same guests keep dropping in every month or so but till now things have gone really fine. We do have to make some hasty arrangements in terms of serving them and all but I am just too happy to participate.

I don't really like it. Not only is it unexpected, but you don't have any time to clean up or anything. Then again, shouldn't you feel comfortable around your relatives?

I would really prefer to have some advance notice, at least 30 minutes. I don't always get that though because my husband's brothers often stop by unexpectedly. My house isn't too horrible, but if I am given a little notice, I am able to pick up a bit more and then I am not so embarrassed to have people at my house.

When relatives unexpectedly drop by in my house, well, it is okay for me because I always clean my house every now and then.hehehe. But my problem is the food to eat because I am not stocking foods in the house so when I have relatives coming in, I am really into panic where to buy foods and what to prepare.

I don't like things unexpected.. I would appreciate a warning before hand so I can clean up or prepare for what's to come!!

my relatives have a habit of coming over when my house is a mess. now granted, im not the best housekeeper by no means, but it always seems that when i do clean my house, and it manages to stay clean for a while, NO ONE will come over. but as soon as my house gets messy, someone stops over. now, im sure all of you that have kids know that your house is gonna look like a tornado went thru it sometimes. my son is two, and in jus a few seconds, he can destroy my house. lol. and it's not all his fault, i slack on my house work more than i should. i'll be one of the first to admit that i am lazy. my house is clean enough that my son isn't in danger of being neglected by any means. theres times where i can't even see my counter because of the dishes. i just get so tired, and i don't do them, and they pile up. i can't get in the habit of washing them after dinner or anything. (ha, eating makes me sleepy lol). but back to what you asked lol. (sorry i get side tracked). i would prefer if whoever decides to stop in, calls first. and most of the time, they do, but like my mother in law, lives 10 min down the road, so that doesn't give me enough time to power clean my house lol. or when my neighbor comes over. why can't they come over when my house is clean? or give me a good heads up as to when they are coming so i can make my house a little more presentable. even if my house was perfect, i think atleast a few hours is a good time to notify someone that you are gonna come over, make sure they are home, and awake and dressed, and feeling well, and that sorts of stuff. it's just respect.

i hate it either way, we have two small kids and the place always looks like a hurrican just can through, my wife goes bananas trying to clean when we expect company as she says it reflects on her. So when a person just stop by she is even more upset at the condition and eventually we all get read the riot act becuase of how the place was when the company arrived. Hate it hate it hate it, want ot move out state to avoid.

Ilove guests ,provided they are not disturbing my kids studies.At my place guests are always heartily welcome,but the condition is only that it should not be the exam time

I live off a major interstate, which all my relative pass through to go to Florida. Now, obviously if they are planning a vacation in Florida, they have to make plans in advance, as I am quite sure they just don't jump in the car and start driving. However, no one can manage to call me and let me know they will be stopping by. I usually get MAYBE a one to two hour notice, or sometimes, just a knock on the door, followed by the surprise!!! I don't even like when my friends just pop over. It drives me crazy, however, if I complain, I probably will never see any relatives. Does anyone have the same problem?

I would prefer my relatives to call us .. i would be devastated if they visit us with out calling

my house is always a disaster because although there are 4 people, 3 are making a mess and one (being me) is left to clean it up. i dont always have the time or the energy to keep it tidy all the time.

Well, when I was in my own apartment, people dropped by all the time, and I ususally didn't expect them. I am a little messy by nature, so those that knew me expected for there to be some clutter about. I figured that if you didn't think enough to tell me you were coming, then you shouldn't expect the house to be a certain way. Besides you came to see me, not my house. However, I do prefer for people to call before they dropped by. Simple reason is, check and see if I want company at that time. I could be doing a number of different things, or in a number of different moods. Think about that before you force me to have company, because I may not be the host that you thought I would be when you get there.

I do prefer to know people are coming with having 3 dogs I always like to make sure the place is tidy but, I do generally clean quite often so normally the place should always be pretty presentable! x

haha This happened just yesterday and was really frustrating. We had invited a relative of mine for lunch and they were here at home and it was about an hour to lunch that another relative of mine came over along with his family. Supposedly they were out to someone else's place and as those people were busy, they came to our house. Luckily we had most of the dishes in excess and only a few had to be prepared again. It was quite awkward to the guests that we had invited as they did not know each other and she was quite taken aback that people just came in for lunch without previously informing us. It causes a lot of inconvenience and sometimes people might not also be home. My house is always kept neat so that is not a major issue, however someone coming home unannounced, especially when they are just an acquaintance is frustrating at times.

I really dont like when relatives or any one drop by unexpectedly. I am a planner I like to plan when people are coming. I am not a spontaous person. Its just nerve racking.

It would be better if someone called first before the visit so that I can clean up and prepare food for them. However, if there are unexpected guests, I will still let them in. In polite manners, I would just say to them that if you told me that you would come I could prepare.