To not want my DB to call in for one of his 2 hour brief visits when I am trying to pack and shop for holiday tomorrow?

[Decormad38]

DB called yesterday. He want to come round for coffee and a chat today before we go on holiday. It's nice of him to want to see us BUT his quick visits are not quick, he's retired and time has no meaning at the moment for him, he's never had kids so does not understand how much preparation it takes before holiday, the shops are only open a short amount of time today. I feel rude saying no it's not convenient but am I just being antisocial?

Tell him to come aroubd your shopping tine and just get on with things whilst he's there.

I think yabu
Couple of hours is nothing. Just appreciate your brother wanting to spend time with you.

Perfect DB.. You can watch the kids whilst I pop to the shops for a few bits and make a start on the packing! Thanks!

I think that strategy may work if it was anyone else but he just has a way of making everything grind to a halt whilst he tells one of his stories and if people try to walk away he makes a big deal. He's very difficult.

Just tell him it's not convenient today as you've got lots of shopping and packing to do and maybe add some bits onto that list if he argues it won't take long 🤷🏻‍♀️

Just say no, it's not convenient. Say it politely and it won't be rude.

Can you say it’s not convenient but fix a time for when you get back?

As a compromise tell him you will call him when you have done shopping and got everything packed

Can’t you pop round to his instead so that at least you’re in control of timings? Just tell him you are out and about so will call at his instead for a coffee, then make sure it is a quick visit.

Just tell him no! If he is retired I take it he is an adult? So, explain that you are up the walls getting ready for the holiday and will chat to him when you get back.
I doubt you are going for 6 months.

If it's not convenient, just tell him so. His diary doesn't take priority over yours.

Offer him a time AFTER you have done the shopping and packing and could do with a rest.

Keep a notepad beside you to list forgotten things that occur to you as you have that coffee.

Maybe tell him he can come after you're back at the house an actually doing the packing? Then you can dump the kids on him and crack on with stuff