https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 16:51:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394698 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 16:32:37 +0000 Cherrybee 2394698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! Its good to know I'm not alone in this. </p> <p>I actually LOVE entertaining, as in having guests over, cooking a fabulous meal, pouring drinks. I clean the house top to bottom beforehand, get myself showered, make up on and a nice dress......Its when people are popping in for a short visit that I get all stressed out - it would take me the best part of a day to get the house and myself prepped and I don't have that sort of time every time someone wants to "pop in". And if I'm not prepped, the anxiety is horrific! </p> <p>@Greentea: Oh, that's terrible. You have my sympathy! We moved in August and, although we are unpacked, we haven't decorated every room and that alone drives me crazy. </p> <p>@Mrs. Lion: Going to other peoples houses is traumatic for me too! How long do you stay, where do you sit, what if they make you really horrid tea and you feel like you have to drink it, what if E trashes the place - agh! Id much rather meet somewhere neutral, where anyone can end the meeting when they're done and nobody is obliged to drink anything they don't want to!!! </p> <p>@KayKay: I really like that concept. Its like giving someone the freedom to just be themselves because you were authentic first. </p> <p>@autumnleaves: Yeah, agreed. I know deep down that they won't think badly of me but I want them to think awesomely of me! I want the to think the house is pristine all the time (you're talking to someone who nips to a car valet if I have to give someone a lift). :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394662 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 15:09:25 +0000 autumnlove 2394662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Only the first month after giving birth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394651 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:50:49 +0000 HLK208 2394651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get so stressed when I have people over! Even my own mom. </p> <p>I'm hosting Christmas morning breakfast for 20 people and I'm already getting anxiety about cleaning and meal prep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394630 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:28:41 +0000 Greentea 2394630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yea, it can be tough. Back in the day I had people over constantly and stopping by unannounced and loved it! Now I just loathe the thought of people coming because of the house. We moved in October but I was extremely sick for three months, as in- all day everyday and in bed. Things still aren't unpacked! EEk! I know they aren't coming to inspect my house but ... hm. It is a dilemma! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394615 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 13:51:53 +0000 brownepiano 2394615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't mind having play-dates or friends dropping by, but when my parents come or we have events I feel the stress of having a clean house and keeping my toddler from destroying everything before they come in. And then, while I am happy to finally have people around to talk to, I like time away from people too and there is no god way to get that till they leave! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394614 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 13:51:05 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2394614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm actually the opposite! I LOVE having people over and going to other houses with my kids gives me the anxiety you are describing. Maybe you can offer to come by and pick things up instead? Let the people who love to host do the hosting. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394597 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 13:04:45 +0000 Applesandbananas 2394597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep, hate it! I always try to arrange it as a play date or something outside the house! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394595 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 12:57:41 +0000 Nutella 2394595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! Me! I'm preeeeetty sure its related to the fact that our city fringe house is tiny and no room for a dining space...and the fact that our sofas take up most of our lounge so it's...cosy...when others who aren't flesh &amp; blood (mine!) come around. We have a courtyard but no shelter so if it's raining, or too hot, it's a no-go. It stresses me out, and we often have a steady stream of houseguests (why!! Prob because we are so central!) which is fun but I'm basically on edge until they leave. I have to keep it clean which adds to the pressure but that's just how I roll. My parents are the exception because they help, I guess? I often try and meet friends out for dinner to get out oft should, but it's probably also so I don't have to deal with our small space. I hope when we find our house to buy we can get room for entertaining all our people comfortably! I'm so glad I'm not alone in this! 😅 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394502 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 09:41:56 +0000 KayKay 2394502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Break the cycle! By nature, I'm not an entertainer, but having kids, there is just more of it (family staying with us, having guests for dinner so that the kids can be crazy, playdates, etc). I read something once about giving someone the "gift" of a dirty house....basically letting someone else see your house in its usual state instead of picked up &amp; super-clean, so that they feel more comfortable doing it too. I don't go out of my way to leave the toilets gross or anything, but I try my best not to worry about the dog hair, dust bunnies, or (some) toys strewn about. And I don't stress if food is take-out / store bought / or otherwise not from scratch. </p> <p>I wouldn't say it has made me LOVE entertaining, but we actually do it and I'm a little less anxious about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394496 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 09:29:32 +0000 autumnleaves 2394496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes - it stresses me out. I am generally not a clean freak but I do like to clean up before we have guests and there isn't the time to get to everything. I find that people are more understanding when you have kids and I don't judge friends' home for having dirty carpet, dust in certain places, etc so I try to tell myself not to feel like they are going to judge me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-anyone-else-get-really-stressed-out-by-visitors-at-home#post-2394483 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 08:58:58 +0000 Cherrybee 2394483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really wish I could control my stress response around friends and family visiting me at home. I just hate it so much. I wish people would leave me the hell alone!! No, I don't mean that..... its just I find it aggravates my anxiety to the max. </p> <p>I feel the need for the house to be pristine and, since having E, there just isn't the time to do it all. I'm waiting for guests to arrive now and everywhere I look I can see bits on the carpet, smears, dust..... I'm convinced the house smells really bad...... Without fail, my stressing will result in DH and I having a huge row before the guests arrive. </p> <p>Then there's the waiting. I hate waiting for them to arrive, trying to stop E messing up the place, flinching at every car door slamming. What will I even say to them? Ugh, why are they even coming? </p> <p>Then, once they're here and the conversation starts, I'm okay. </p> <p>I usually try to arrange to meet people out - for coffee, for dinner - but, especially around this time of year, people do insist on "popping in" with gifts and cards. </p> <p>Anyone else? Or is it just me? </p>