To Eric, I’m hoping you can help my spouse and I out of a difficult predicament. We met a couple on a cruise around six years ago, and since they had friends nearby, we encouraged them to come see us when they were in town.
Since we have a lot of things in common, this happened and everything went smoothly. Yet, as the years have gone by, this couple has extended an invitation to our home more than once a year, always in the winter.
Additionally, since they are Northerners and we live in Florida, this invitation is never accepted. We have hit our tolerance limit because of this couple’s extremely harsh lady.
Even though we never invite them to come see us, I’m sure they have no idea how we really feel. How do we get ourselves out of this awkward situation?
Out-of-Control Cruise
Stories by
R. Eric Thomas
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To Cruise: When these snowbirds connected with you on the high seas, they truly found the golden egg. It’s time to clip their wings, so to speak, as they might not be aware that they’re going too far.
You can speak openly with them, letting them know that you feel it’s best for you all to go your separate ways because things have changed on your end. Confusion is avoided, but there is a chance that it will upset people, particularly if everything has been going smoothly for them thus far. They must cope with their hurt feelings, but I can see if this is a bit more aggressive than you would prefer.
The alternative is to just inform them that you are no longer available to entertain them when they phone to extend their invitation. Although we’re happy you had a good time, we can’t welcome you as we used to because of changes down here. Perhaps offer to buy them a dinner if and when you’re next close to their nest in order to maintain civility.
For inquiries, contact R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Subscribe to his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com and follow him on Instagram.
