The Friends of the Friends of the Friends of the Friends of the Friends Came to Visit Us During the Holidays: I Wish I Hadn’t Said No

Last year, an old friend of mine called and asked me very earnestly if I could host her closest friends for a week at my house. They had decided to unwind by the seaside in our village. It felt awkward to say no, so I agreed. However, I told her upfront:

The season is in full swing, so I cant offer a room free of charge. On the other hand, I dont feel right charging your friends as if they were strangers.

To that, my friend replied, Dont worry, love, theyll pay. Money isnt an issue. Theyre just wary of scammers you know, those who take payment in advance and then either dont let guests in or throw them out halfway through their holiday.

Well, I fell for it. Had I known what their stay was going to cost me, I wouldnt have agreed.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I gave them a very generous discount. They got a room at half price.

The day arrived! Instead of the family I was promised, a teenage girl showed up with them, along with a ten-year-old boy. It was a bit difficult, but they were friends. The only issue was that they didnt feel very comfortable sharing a triple room!

Our meeting was friendly. I tried to prepare a nice dinner, and after wed eaten, I showed them the local sights. Wishing them a pleasant stay, I went off to my usual routines.

On the second day, their son fired a water gun at the TV while it was on. The parents were in the room but the prankster wasnt stopped. The couple apologised and promised to cover the cost of repairs for the TV (which, sadly, still awaits fixing). I brought them another TV from the next room. What will they do in the evening? I wondered.

Then, a well-meaning family member managed to burn the kettle. Sorry, the teenage girl forgot to add water.

After they began rearranging the room (Its too cramped for us), two legs brokeone from the bedside table, the other from the dining table. They found it hilariousOh well, youve plenty of furniture! Well stick the table leg back with tape and all will be fine. Well prop up the nightstandits no big deal.

The highlight was a boisterous party that went on till two in the morning. There was yelling and drunken laughing. When I asked for the music to be turned down at eleven, I was told, Relax, youre getting paid! Sure enough, the volume was lowered, though only after a second request.

There was no point arguing with drunken guests so I decided to wait until the morning. The next day, I had an honest conversation with the couple, explaining that such behaviour wasnt acceptable. They werent the only guests here. I also asked them to be careful with the appliances.

They shrugged, clearly displeased. We paid, didnt we? I grew irritated. Thank you for coming as friends of a friendotherwise, you wouldnt be welcome!

After my words, the group behaved more sensibly and the gadgets remained intact. Only, the friendship ended there.

In the end, we stopped speaking altogether. That didnt stop them from taking the gifts and souvenirs Id prepared for them and our mutual friend. And, along with those, two large bath towels and a terracotta bedsheet went missing from the room.

I must say, these were the best friends of my old schoolmate. She and I had been close throughout secondary school, until she got married and moved to another city. Shed described her friends as pleasant and well-mannered. Had that been true, they could have spent each summer holiday with us.

It wasnt meant to be. My friend kept silent for a long time, but one day, during our chat, she confessed they hadnt enjoyed their holiday: They said you kept nagging them and ruined the atmosphere. And thats despite paying all that money!

I feel sorry, but the money they paid didnt even cover a new TV, kettle, table, nightstand, bedsheet, and towels. Not to mention my frayed nerves and dissatisfaction among the other guests. It also tarnishes my reputation, and next year, holidaymakers might pick somewhere else.

Still, I gained plenty of experience and now I knowsometimes its better to simply say no.