I'm quite introverted and have always valued having time to myself, excepting DH and DTs (2). I decided to go back to work this summer and we got a live in nanny couple to cope with weird hours we both work, sometimes at short notice.
The situation is that now I rarely have a minute to myself. Due to the nature of my work I deal with quite demanding clients most of the time. When we get breaks there is literally one room to sit in and my colleagues are a nice bunch and don't want someone sat on their own.
The nanny couple are wonderful with DTs and lovely people. They came to the UK because they wanted to travel but so far they haven't, apart from the odd afternoon out in local towns.
Even on the way to and from work I share with some colleagues who live locally and the car is full of chat.
The nanny couple have booked their first holiday and i was quite excited to have some time to myself. DM though has decided to come to stay while they are away, as it would be weird staying while they are here in her opinion. I tried to get her to stay a little less time but it made her sad, and she said that if she only gets to see me for a few days a year she might as well die now.
I'm getting a little overwhelmed to the extent that I can't face eating sometimes. All my meals are taken in a group of at least four people, and the idea of having to make eye contact and conversation, appear carefree and happy, and deal with the food is too much; so I just get rid of the only aspect I can. Not that it matters tbh, I'm pretty fat. And all this talking and making eye contact is starting to make me literally dizzy.
I know that seen from a different persepctive that I have nothing to complain about AT ALL - great family, loving mother, good job with friendly colleagues, and it was my own choice to get the nanny couple. So really I'm just asking if anyone can think of a way I can politely carve out a little time and get back to appreciating all the nice people rather than dreading seeing them? Thanks