How would you say 'No' to a potential houseguest?

One of my friends from college is coming to NYC for New Years' Eve and has asked to stay at our apartment. I'm not sure if she already has New Years' plans or is planning to spend it with me and DH. I don't know what our plans are yet either.

DH is not thrilled with the idea of having a houseguest over a holiday weekend since we both work so much and have very little time off. Not to mention that we still aren't completely settled into the new place and our sofabed for the guest room won't be arriving for like 12 weeks. The sofabed thing seems like the easiest way out, but I'm afraid she'll offer to sleep on the floor or the couch in the livingroom.

What would you say/do?

hmm, that's a tough one. I agree that she might offer to stay on the floor, so that's no good.

How about telling her you want to spend your first married New Years Eve just the 2 of you?

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Posted by Sweetpea130000


How about telling her you want to spend your first married New Years Eve just the 2 of you?

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I like this idea, too.

Did the bar keepers friend arrive yet? Was wondering how that turned out!

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

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Posted by Sweetpea130000


How about telling her you want to spend your first married New Years Eve just the 2 of you?

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I like this idea, too.

Did the bar keepers friend arrive yet? Was wondering how that turned out!

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Thanks for the suggestions - keep them coming!!

I think the 'spending New Years' alone' would work on normal people, but my college friends (all of whom are single) are not normal - they're definitely the type to react in a 'see, I told you she'd change once she got married!' kind of way.

How about saying that DH's mother is going to be staying with us that weekend??

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

Did the bar keepers friend arrive yet? Was wondering how that turned out!

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I'm still waiting for it actually! And we really need it - last night, DH burned the bottom and outside of the sauce pan! I really don't know if it's going to come off. I feel so bad that we've screwed up these pots already!

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Posted by Sweetpea130000


How about telling her you want to spend your first married New Years Eve just the 2 of you?

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I like that idea also. You could tell her that you already have reserved plans... And you could always say 'once we settle in, we would love to have you as our guest'

I would not say that you are not going to be there b/c your friend might be like oh that is perfect can I house sit.

I would just say that you have not completely unpacked and that your furnature has not arrived, so for now house guests are just not feasable. This way, it is not a lie, and you can say she is welcome in the future. It also makes her say that she wants to spend the new year with you - if she in fact does want that. She may just want a place to sleep, which realistically you cannot offer.

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Posted by jenniesunshine

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

Did the bar keepers friend arrive yet? Was wondering how that turned out!

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I'm still waiting for it actually! And we really need it - last night, DH burned the bottom and outside of the sauce pan! I really don't know if it's going to come off. I feel so bad that we've screwed up these pots already!

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jenn-i bought it at Fortunoff and used it last night on my rusted stainless stove top. I thought I would have to replace it and it worked like magic.

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Posted by jenniesunshine

How about saying that DH's mother is going to be staying with us that weekend??

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Ah, an even better excuse!

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Posted by Valentinegirl

I would tell her you are staying at someone elses house or at a hotel cause you are going out.

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I would avoid this excuse since she might say 'that's ok, I will only use your place to sleep in'

I would tell her that you're having other guests staying with you and that you're booked up.

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Posted by Blu-ize

Jenn-how did you leave it with her? Did he invite herself?

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She left me a voicemail a day or two ago asking if the offer was still open (I don't remember offering). But I'm going to email her today and let her know that it won't work out since we don't have furniture, but I'd love to see her if she's in town.

I think you should be honest with her. You are newlyweds after all!

Hiding behind the furniture could backfire.

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Posted by Blu-ize

I think you should be honest with her. You are newlyweds after all!

Hiding behind the furniture could backfire.

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I agree. she could offer to bring a sleeping bag

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Posted by dleeny

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Posted by Blu-ize

I think you should be honest with her. You are newlyweds after all!

Hiding behind the furniture could backfire.

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I agree. she could offer to bring a sleeping bag

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I just remember her telling me stories about some of the very questionable hostels she stayed in when she visited Europe. I'm sure the hardwood floor of an apartment would seem just fine in comparison!

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Posted by Blu-ize

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Posted by jenniesunshine

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

Did the bar keepers friend arrive yet? Was wondering how that turned out!

---

I'm still waiting for it actually! And we really need it - last night, DH burned the bottom and outside of the sauce pan! I really don't know if it's going to come off. I feel so bad that we've screwed up these pots already!

---

jenn-i bought it at Fortunoff and used it last night on my rusted stainless stove top. I thought I would have to replace it and it worked like magic.

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I'm going to chime in with the bar keeper's friend convo - I LOVE it- it defintely works wonders!

tell her no
if she is your friend she will understand