How to Deal with an Uninvited Guest

An uninvited guest is an unpalatable intrusion in our premises and very much a nuisance, in case he happens to be stranger to our family, albeit remotely related. However, there is some possibility of encountering such an unpleasant and embarrassing occurrence by every one of us at sometime or other. Here it is proposed to discuss how to deal with such uninvited guests.

Normally, your shyness may be the factor, which is taken advantage of by such guests whom you very much like keep at bay. The best thing would be to avoid him in the first instance itself by telling him on his face that you are too busy to entertain him either now or at any other time. You can send him away from the door itself. It is dangerous to give shelter to unknown guests, whom you had never met or even heard about.

The uninvited guest may bring a letter of introduction from a known relative, but not from so important a relation who can be easily ignored. You may read the letter and put up some excuse by telling him that you are unfortunately going on a long tour that day along with family. It is not wise to entertain such guests as they are likely to overstay and cause you much inconvenience.

It is possible that a past act of indiscretion by you of promising your help in need to a distant relation or a friend, whom you normally avoid, in a party or function might have caused this intrusion without notice. You are taken by surprise at his sudden visit in all seriousness of taking your help. It will not be good manners to throw him out. At the same time, if you give shelter once, he may become a regular guest, knocking your door at odd hours or when you want to be undisturbed in your overwhelming work pressure.

The question is how to avoid him. The best thing would be to tell him that you are not in a position to accommodate him as your parents and grand parents or in-laws with much luggage are arriving soon and there is, therefore, no room for staying and giving him due attention. You can ask him to drop in some other time with prior intimation.

It so happens that the uninvited guest is has some influence in family and your not entertaining may spoil your social image. You can immediately invite him with all cordiality and inquire about his mission. You can tell him that due to your and your family's overwhelming engagements, it may not be possible to offer him homely food for some days. You can express your regrets that he may have to dine elsewhere, but can stay at home. He may then finish his work quickly and leave you.

The problem comes when he overstays with the pretext of searching for some job or matrimonial alliance for his grown up children. In that case, you can start giving him some errands like asking him to drop your kids at the school or bringing some important items which you need but have no time. You can politely give him such works. If he overstays, you can tell your kids that their uncle, the guest, is good at playing with kids and telling stories. They will pester him to such an extent that he will cut short his stay.

If the uninvited guest does not leave even then, better to lock your house and go for a holiday for a couple of days, keeping his luggage at your friendly neighbor's house and informing him to collect it.

In case the uninvited guest is a welcome presence in your house by virtue of his interesting characteristics and great sense of humor, there is no problem to entertain him. He provides a great relief from the daily monotony of your life and offers liberation from mounting stress. He adds spice to your dull routine. Normally such people know their limits and do not bother you by overstaying.

After all, man is a social animal and you cannot avoid guests. Your guest, though uninvited, might be in some genuine trouble. If you feel it is worth attending to him, it will be the step in right direction to provide him succor. You will also be in some predicament, though God forbid, in future, when his help would come handy. So, in these matters, some sound discretion is essential before closing your doors to him.

Cultivating healthy relations is an art, and treating your guests properly is part of such art. Be good at it, but exercising caution. Moreover, it provides good scope for projecting your good image of your achievements and accomplishments.

Your uninvited guest will express his gratitude to all your friends and relatives for receiving such nice hospitality from your end. He will extol about your virtuous behavior, your high talents, your attractive and ornate house, your high social position and, above all, his memorable stay in your company. This enriched social image will help you and your children in future life, leave alone the satisfaction you have gained by your Good Samaritan act.