How to subtly hint to a guest that it’s time to leave?

As the saying goes, a good guest is one who rarely comes in. And even a hospitable host will probably agree in his heart that it can be difficult to send an annoying guest out. If you say it bluntly, you will lose his friendship. Does it seem like the person really doesn’t understand that he “stayed too long” or is he deliberately ignoring your hints for some reason? Let’s figure it out.

Bargain on the shore

If this is not the first time you find yourself in a similar situation, then we recommend that you meet the person not in your apartment, but in neutral territory, or to inform in advance when it is time to do important things (no, no need to specify). Directly write that you are free from 12:00 to 18:00. It is possible that a person has really lost track of time (he does not have a permanent job or an unstable schedule), so the best option is to limit him in time. And when the hour X approaches, looking at your watch, let’s say, let’s have another cup now, and then it’s time for me to get ready for an important meeting.

Clear food and drinks from the table

Use the Dutch method: do not put the first, second and third courses on the table, limit yourself to drinks and snacks. When it is time to say goodbye, defiantly start clearing away the refreshments from the table. Say how quickly the day has passed, how nice it was to meet you, but that it is time to get ready for bed. One important point: you do not need to sit down with the guest, so as not to encourage him to continue the conversation. Stand somewhere towards the exit, as if to show that you are ready to see him off.

Use safe words

Remember that we often end a phone conversation with “okay,” “okay, go ahead.” Interrupt the annoying guest’s attempt to continue the story with words like “you’ll tell me later,” “you’ll send it to me on social media later.”

“How will you get home?”

You might ask if the guest has arranged a taxi to get home. If they have a pet, ask if their pet is bored and if it’s time to feed it or take it for a walk. Ask what time your girlfriend (or boyfriend, if we’re talking about a girlfriend) got home from work. Ask if she’s worried about you being late. Then add that it’s time to clean up, make your bed, take a bath, etc.

“Shall we go for a walk?”

Try this trick. Say that tomorrow is a tough day and you need to take out the trash or buy groceries. If that doesn’t work, ask if the person has any important plans and suggest that it would be a good idea for you to get ready and go to bed early.

Tips with jokes

Say directly that it’s time to call it a day, but playfully so that no one is offended: “Okay, guys, it’s time to leave, the neighbors called and asked to return the chairs”, “We’ll sit quietly” !” What a pity that all the food is gone.” “And whose apartment is this? Let’s go home before the owners return!”

Tell me clearly

Tell me honestly, I am glad to see you, but now is the time to learn this honor. Do not be afraid that the person will be offended. You should be careful if someone ignores your tiredness and abuses your hospitality.