Offering a bed to distant relatives in law??

[tootsietoo]

I don't think I'm being unreasonable and DH doesn't either, so there is no drama but I am curious as to how many might have done differently from me.

FIL has connections with some very distant New Zealand relatives. When I say distant, I mean that DH has no idea how they are related, he thinks it's via some family about 100 years ago who moved to NZ, so 3-4 generations back. It's the sort of thing FIL does, very nice too. DH has never met them. They are visiting the UK and are in our area this week and need a place to stay on Thursday night. DH is away overnight on Thurs, but asked me whether I would be willing to have them to stay. My instant reaction was no! I really really don't fancy it. I work from home, so making up the spare bed and getting a meal ready wouldn't be a big deal, but Thursday is swimming + Beavers night so I would be out with the children from 4pm-7.30pm. So they would either have to be in the house on their own or arrive late-ish and I wouldn't be available to "entertain them" until about 8. And I can't bear the idea of having strangers to stay and having to talk to them for the evening! DDs are aged 7 and 9 - I don't think it's ideal having strangers in the house with just me and the DDs. I don't think I'm being unreasonable, but the fact DH has asked has made me feel as if I should be more friendly!

I am curious as to whether any of you would say yes to this? Just off out for a few hours, so won't reply till I'm back!

See I'd be happy to offer a bed for a night - although I do wonder about those posters who think it will go down in the family history as a night to remember, just as likely that visitors are crashing bores and not much interested in entertaining DCs.

However hell would freeze over before I would spend a precious day of free time entertaining complete strangers. Going to see historical attractions that you have seen before and having to pay for it ( and perhaps getting stung with your visitors entry costs) nah, people can sight see by themselves.

Agree Rookie. Different if it's a friend or relative who has come to see me and sight see but I probably don't have the self confidence (and I'm fairly confident) to believe that me tagging along would actually enhance the day of a couple of strangers.
I'd be happy to email suggestions of local restaurants/ pubs/ tourist attractions but tagging along seems really intrusive. Different if there was just 1 person.

I think your missed an opportunity there op (or dodged a bullet) not having them to stay. It's a little bit of kindness to a complete stranger for no gain to yourself, truly altruistic. The NZ relativities might have passed on that kindness to a stranger they met, that stranger might have passed it on again and so on, before you know it, world peace would have been achieved all thanks to you.

Strangers???
No! What if they talk all night about UKIP?
I am not even introvert, i like having visitors. People i have met before, not people i have never met!

If they travel from nz then they can afford a hotel.
If they want to meet you- sure, pay a babysitter and meet them for dinner and drinks. Or breakfast/lunch next day.
If you get on then sure you invite each other to your house in the future.

it's not sightseeing, it's a visit to a business related to their business which DH's company is involved in.

Ah well, bullet dodged, opportunity missed, I shall have a nice quiet early night on Thursday and be very happy!

Thanks for all the replies, always interesting!

This would be my worst nightmare. I would hate it honestly and say no. The only people who I would have to stay in my house are very close relatives and my DC friends when the time comes.