Yesterday, my DD was invited over to her bestfriend's house to play. I get on really well with her mum, we’ve been to each other’s houses a few times, shared gifts etc. and always have a friendly chat.
When I dropped DD off around 5:30, the mum kindly invited me in for tea. I’d already finished work and thought it might be nice to catch up, I said yes. She served tea and cakes (at around 6) for all the kids, hers, mine, and a few others she was looking after and we sat down for a chat.
She’s very talkative, and I didn’t want to seem rude by leaving too quickly after finishing my tea. I did mention I’d be heading off soon a few times, and she offered to drop my daughter home, but I said I’d just take her with me.
The conversation kept flowing and every time I checked my phone, she brought up something new to talk about. Before I knew it, it was 7pm!
I felt a bit embarrassed for staying so long and mentioned a couple of times, “I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time,” but she kept the conversation going. I apologised again when I left, just to be sure I hadn’t overstayed my welcome.
Now I can’t help but feel a little self-conscious, like she might think I’ll always want to come in and stay every time I drop my daughter off, which really isn’t the case. I just didn’t want to be impolite!