We’ve all had that one guest who just won’t leave. At first, it’s fun catching up, but after some time, you start getting tired. Maybe you have other things to do or just want to be alone. But asking them to leave feels awkward. You don’t want to be rude or hurt their feelings. And sadly, some people don’t notice they’ve overstayed their welcome.
So, how can you get them to leave politely without causing any drama?
1. Say It Early
Right from the start, let them know how long they can stay. When they arrive, you can say something like, “I’m happy to see you! I have an early morning, so we can hang out for about an hour.” That way, they already know not to stay too long.
2. Use Body Language
If they’re not picking up on hints, your body can do the talking. Yawn, stretch, or even stand up. You can also glance at the time or start picking up their stuff like cups or plates. These little signs might help them realize it’s time to go.
3. Drop a Gentle Hint
Sometimes guests just lose track of time. A soft reminder like, “It’s been lovely, but I have a lot to do tomorrow,” can send the message that the visit needs to end soon without being rude.
4. Begin to Wrap Up
If they still don’t seem ready to leave, you can slowly start ending the visit. Stand up, take their plate, or say, “Let me walk you to the door.” That usually does the trick.
5. Be Honest and Kind
If nothing works, just speak up nicely. Try saying, “I really enjoyed your company, but I need to get some rest.” It’s honest, polite, and clear.