A bit of a rant...

[Catty1]

A friend of mine gave me this quote but I have no idea who first said it: "It is the duty of the host to make the guest feel at home, and the duty of the guest to remember he ISN'T."

Countdown mode...it'll be here sooner than you think!

[moosmom]

LOVE IT Catty1!!!

It is VERY difficult when you've been living alone for so long. When we had the power outtage in October's NorEaster, I stayed with my BFF for one night and couldn't WAIT to get home, heat or not heat.

I love Susie to death (I've known her since Jr. High). We've been through a lot together. But boy, I SO love my privacy. I can sit in my underwear, watch tv and belch on my couch if I want. Don't have to worry about pissing anyone off ('cept maybe the cats).

Hang in there, girl!! Like Catmom said, you're now in countdown mode!!!

[davidpizzica]

When I came to Concordia, I wasn't sure what kind of roommate I'd get. I didn't know his habits, what his history was or anything. However almost from the first handshake, I knew Barry and I would get along great! We both like old cars, we're both bachelors so we have an interest in girls, we're close in age, and in almost 21/2 years I don't think we ever argued. I won't give this guy up for anything!

[redbird]

Wow I give you credit for even asking them to stay, I don't know if I could do that. I have lived alone for many years and love it. My male companion (at my age I hesitate to call him a boyfriend) stays with me overnight at times but I like my alone time so it all works out. I was married many years ago and once was enough for me anyway.

I hope the rest of this month goes quickly for you and there are not a lot of issues. I also would put my foot down if things get out of hand. Best of luck to you.

[mrspunkysmom]

I would start now with some changes.

Put their non-perishable foods in a box in their bedroom. Allot a small section of the fridge for their use. Put your cats bed back in its place. And schedule TV time.

Is there a TV in the guest room?

Do these step by step so that they get the idea they need to leave by the end of the month.

And post a few proverbs around the house and include the one above.

And bless you for putting up with that. I'm allergic to tobacco smoke, so any friend of mine would have to live in a pup tent out back.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I think you're way too nice. Even though she's a long time friend, I think that I would've at least had some house rules written up and signed by her. I've had horrible roommates in the past so I can kind of relate. Now that I've been living alone for quite a while, I'm so much happier. At least this will all be over soon. I'd try to do what mrspunkysmom has said so she doesn't get too comfortable in your home and then decide to stay even longer. Good luck.

[Pinot's Mom]

They ARE long time friends - 30 years...we've been through a lot...not helping them in this situation is, and remains, unthinkable. Would I be more forthright next time in the rules? Absolutely! No question!

There are three TV's; one in the downstairs den, one in the main floor family room and one in the daughter's guest room (they each have their own room). We have managed to keep football sacrosanct on the main family room TV - non-negotiable.

Yes, we are in countdown. The hubby will be in town for a few days this week to collect one vehicle (they're moving out to New Mexico; complicated situation). The daughter will be staying with grandparents after the Mom goes out to the new property on the 24th. The plane ticket is purchased.

I'll let you all know when Pinot, Coop and I issue a big WHEW!!

[phesina]

Pinot, Maggie, and Coop, we are all sending you our very best healing energies and warm wishes as you get through the rest of this!

God bless you for helping out good friends who have been part of your lives for more than 30 years. You all will get through the rest of this. I hope you will be better friends than ever afterwards, and if such a situation should come up again you now know what ground rules to lay out from the start.

,
Pat and the gang

[TamanduaGirl]

Have a box or can or something with some sand/dirt in it by where she smokes and have her stick them in there instead.

I think it's too late for her coat though. It will always smell.

[finn's mom]

David and I have helped family out, and laid down ground rules the moment they stepped in the door. We made it very clear, and stuck to it. I'm sorry you're having to deal with all those things, the cigarette thing would have to change for me, even if there are only a couple weeks left! Everyone should have someone like you in their lives. I've been helped out before in such a way, and believe me, I did everything I could not to disrupt my friend's routine, privacy, etc. Obviously, that can't be avoided entirely, but it can surely be attempted! Not to mention, I kept the disgusting apartment cleaner than it had ever been prior to me living there. You'll be back to normal soon!

[Medusa]

Long time good friend or not, I'd lay down the law when it comes to smoking. I don't even allow it in my garage and absolutely no ashes or butts go in my trash. The coat would be hung outside. You're a gem for doing this but they should respect the fact that you don't smoke. As everyone agrees, you're on the countdown but three more weeks of cigarette smoke smell is three weeks too much for me. Hang in there.