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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Houseguest who won't leave

293 replies

MadzG1471 · 22/06/2024 15:41

I am getting quite annoyed with a houseguest who just won't leave. This is a friend from America, who was planning to be in the UK for a few weeks this summer. I offered him a room at my partner's and my home. We initially spoke – in admittedly quite vague terms – about him staying for two weeks at the beginning of June, after which he was going off on European trips with his girlfriend. It sounded very much like I was going to see a fair bit of them but they wouldn't be here all the time.
However, while he was staying with us, his girlfriend broke up with him and their summer plans fell through. It's now been over three weeks. Although he doesn't expect to be fed and watered, and is self-sufficient, he often mooches around the house and has shown no sign of leaving. He has started doing his laundry in the washing machine. Today I asked when he was planning to go and he said that he felt guilty for imposing on us but mentioned that his summer plans were up in the air because of the break-up and didn't offer a specific date. I feel too awkward to ask him again. He is a writer whose work can be done anywhere, so I worry that this is turning into an open-ended thing and we now have not a guest but a lodger we didn't ask for.
I am trying to be as nice as I can and feel guilty turfing out a friend who is very unhappy about this break-up. He is obviously heartbroken and depressed. But I am getting increasingly vexed with his presence and that he hasn't offered to help in other ways, e.g. with chores, buying groceries etc. He didn't bring a thank-you gift which I was surprised by. There was also a couple of days where he asked if a friend could stay over, who we put in the guest-room. Again, I feel like I didn't sign up for this! There is talk of further visitors in the middle of next month (!) It's all so hideously awkward.
AIBU, and how on earth do I get him to leave without being mean? (And also creating bad blood with a friend who I do like, in spite of my increasing passive-aggression towards him.)

OP posts:
Jdz · 29/06/2024 22:45

Don't let him make a monkey out of you. Tell him you want him out. Don't sugar-coat it. Some friend he turned out to be. My mate had his lodger's girlfriend move in with him. Leave. Now.

womanlywimmin · 29/06/2024 23:15

MadzG1471 · 22/06/2024 15:41

I am getting quite annoyed with a houseguest who just won't leave. This is a friend from America, who was planning to be in the UK for a few weeks this summer. I offered him a room at my partner's and my home. We initially spoke – in admittedly quite vague terms – about him staying for two weeks at the beginning of June, after which he was going off on European trips with his girlfriend. It sounded very much like I was going to see a fair bit of them but they wouldn't be here all the time.
However, while he was staying with us, his girlfriend broke up with him and their summer plans fell through. It's now been over three weeks. Although he doesn't expect to be fed and watered, and is self-sufficient, he often mooches around the house and has shown no sign of leaving. He has started doing his laundry in the washing machine. Today I asked when he was planning to go and he said that he felt guilty for imposing on us but mentioned that his summer plans were up in the air because of the break-up and didn't offer a specific date. I feel too awkward to ask him again. He is a writer whose work can be done anywhere, so I worry that this is turning into an open-ended thing and we now have not a guest but a lodger we didn't ask for.
I am trying to be as nice as I can and feel guilty turfing out a friend who is very unhappy about this break-up. He is obviously heartbroken and depressed. But I am getting increasingly vexed with his presence and that he hasn't offered to help in other ways, e.g. with chores, buying groceries etc. He didn't bring a thank-you gift which I was surprised by. There was also a couple of days where he asked if a friend could stay over, who we put in the guest-room. Again, I feel like I didn't sign up for this! There is talk of further visitors in the middle of next month (!) It's all so hideously awkward.
AIBU, and how on earth do I get him to leave without being mean? (And also creating bad blood with a friend who I do like, in spite of my increasing passive-aggression towards him.)

Say something like this (say it fairly fast and if he interrupts, talk over him as the interruption may be something that will make you feel guilty), and have someone with you just in case he goes nuts:

"I'm sorry about your break-up, it must be difficult and it's really not good for you to be around the house all day. I do need my space so I do need you to move out but it's also for your benefit. You need to go and do things to enjoy yourself and live life - don't let one girl take your enjoyment of life from you. Your happiness shouldn't begin and end with a girl. Right now, you need to focus on your own life. Book some hotels - or hostels if you want more of a chance of meeting people; they're usually cheaper anyway - and go and have fun. That way, when you get back to the USA, you have some good memories. Or do something else that interests you. But I do need my space as obviously I wasn't planning on you being here for as long as you have been - I genuinely care but I really need my space back - and it would be good for you too."

It shouldn't be like the soaps where the second person goes into a fit of rage but if it does, there's you're second excuse (and have your phone ready to call cops just in case) - "you're scaring me now, you need to pack up and leave".

He can afford it, it will be good for him to do things, and there will be less chance of depression getting worse due to him being alone with his thoughts all the time. Speaking from experience. He can get some counselling back in the USA.

Or, as someone else suggested, claim he has to be out because you have family coming to stay. And no, he can't stay on the couch because all the family are girls and one likes to walk around without clothes in a family environment so it wouldn't be appropriate as she's not a naturist, she only does that with family. Or she's frightened of men because one tried to attack her recently.

womanlywimmin · 29/06/2024 23:16

Shittification · 27/06/2024 18:22

@FenT
Maybe you need to read the OPs updates from 2 days ago. It's all sorted, he's moved on.

I also didn't see it, just replied. Glad it's sorted.

womanlywimmin · 29/06/2024 23:20

MadzG1471 · 25/06/2024 11:40

Update: I spoke to my friend directly and explained that we would need the room back in a few days as we have other guests coming. He was perfectly nice about this, sorted out his sheets and left the room looking spick and span. He's now gone off to stay with some friends in Scotland, followed by a solo trip to Paris. We gave him a list of bistro recommendations and sent him on his way. When the moment came, I felt rather guilty turfing him out but perhaps the change of scenery will be good for him. And it is nice to have the run of the house again.

He did ask to return for a couple of days in mid-July before his flight back to America but I can live with that as it'll be a) nice to hear about his travels and b) we agreed a very specific timeframe, involving a concrete return flight home. Hopefully I won't need to trouble Mumsnet for advice on this again. Thank you to everyone who replied with their invaluable advice and (probably correct) diagnosis of doormat tendencies.

The travel in Europe will probably do him the world of good. Of course he'll be thinking about his girlfriend but he'll be enjoying new scenery and having fun. He may even meet interesting characters with great life advice.

Stephenra · 29/06/2024 23:23

'Vague terms.' People see things differently. What you see as 'a couple of weeks couch-surfing' your pal sees as 'free unconditional accommodation for me and my chums.'

This is just me. When giving him his marching orders in no uncertain terms, I would not apologise, would not explain, nor make up any cock and bull stories about builders due in. If you did any of that you'd probably find to your dismay more whining and sob stories. It's a 'I want you out by...' situation.

Rcgc · 29/06/2024 23:34

This kind of situation gets my goat. Considering I have been that guy, offered a place to stay when traveling. Stayed longer than expected due to events outside of my control. Heard the offers of stay as long as you need and then felt the pain of passive aggressive behaviour. If you didn’t want him to have a friend stay, why did you say he could. When he suggested other friends staying why didn’t you object? Why are you lying to him? Why are you acting like it’s ok when it’s not? Why does he have to read between the lines? Most likely he would not take offence he may well be oblivious to the issue, as it’s been a week longer than mentioned and you seem chill with it. If he does take offence then that’s a him problem. Speak your mind. Be kind no need to be rude unless you get push back.

ShouldIstayorgogogo · 29/06/2024 23:38

You tell him you have family staying and he needs to go by…

You tell him he is taking the piss!

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 29/06/2024 23:40

Ffs people Read the update before posting.

MoodyMargaret11 · 29/06/2024 23:58

Good OP but I don't agree you should have him back for another "couple of days". And I don't agree he is a "decent person" either.
How is he decent? He was taking the piss the entire time, and he will probably do it again in July. Just wait and see. CF of this kind will not disappoint!

jsterr1 · 30/06/2024 00:16

You're being too nice and are now a doormat. Although it's admirable how kind you're being, he's taking advantage of your kindness. You should be less concerned about upsetting him and more concerned about his obvious lack of plans to leave. "You have friends coming NEXT MONTH???!!! I'm sorry, but we agreed to two weeks. Not an indefinite stay. Especially an indefinite stay with visitors we don't even know. This isn't what we agreed to. I'm sorry, but you're already a week past your agreed upon stay. It's unfortunate the your ex screwed up your plans, but these were YOUR plans, not ours. You're going to have to get on with them.

I hate to say it, because I'm a "do anything for my friends" type of guy, but this guy seriously has boundary issues. He decided to stay without even asking you if he could. I wouldn't be offering him a place to stay in the future. He SHOUJD feel embarrassed by his behavior, but he seems perfectly comfortable with the inconvenience he is causing. Whenever i stay at my friends for a week, not only do I bring them some sort of thank you gift, I offer them 200$ for saving me the expense of a hotel and as a contribution to any extra bills or work my presence created. He didn't do the former, it's highly unlikely he'll do the latter. You've already been too accommodating. It's definitely time for him to go.

planAplanB · 30/06/2024 00:48

"I'm trying to be as nice as I can..." you sound wet. Just tell him a date to leave by.

JohnT6 · 30/06/2024 08:23

If all else fails, an eviction order might be your last resort. If they leave, change the locks, assuming they have keys?

JohnT6 · 30/06/2024 08:25

An eviction order might be your last resort? If they do move out,change the locks, I assume they have house keys?

Alicewinn · 30/06/2024 08:50

He’s really taking the piss getting his friends to stay as well. What are you a free B&B?
Yeah, immediate frank conversation you need to leave by xx/xx

PaulineMccormack · 30/06/2024 08:59

Him being there is enough, but asking if he can have friends over, is a cheek. & if yr not careful your have 2/3 unwelcome guests.
U cld say u got family coming 2 stay, & u need his room. BYE, be firm as he's not bothered.

AutumnCrow · 30/06/2024 09:11

He's gone.

Gone.

Gone.

Gone.

hoggyhedge · 30/06/2024 09:12

AutumnCrow · 30/06/2024 09:11

He's gone.

Gone.

Gone.

Gone.

🤣

I

Shittification · 30/06/2024 09:18

Maybe you should have asked him to move all the furniture to make it easier for the carpet fitter 😂

Sweetenuf · 30/06/2024 09:37

AutumnCrow · 30/06/2024 09:11

He's gone.

Gone.

Gone.

Gone.

😂😂😂

So has he gone yet?

(Joking!)

Susu54 · 30/06/2024 09:42

Ilikeadrink14 · 29/06/2024 21:31

What is up with people? For days after this situation was sorted, people are STILL writing in with advice, mostly repeating what had already been said by several people!
My advice is, read the f…..g thread in full before boring us all with out of date advice!

Edited

Well blame notifications from Mumsnet! I got notified yesterday of this post...hence why I replied. So get off your high horse & don't be so rude!!

Shittification · 30/06/2024 10:27

I got notified yesterday of this post...hence why I replied. So get off your high horse & don't be so rude!!

But did you not think to actually see if the OP had come back to the thread with an update before commenting? Were you not curious to see what the other hundreds of replies were saying over the last 8 days since it was posted?

wisegirl60 · 30/06/2024 10:55

Be polite and tell him that the room is no longer available from a certain date of your choice making it clear that he must leave.

PollyPage21 · 30/06/2024 11:03

Its a hard one but don't do what me and my hubby did....this is a bit different but I'm sure you'll get the drift....3.5 years ago I started giving a lift home from the pub to my hubby's friend,I use the term friend loosely, I never dreamt in my wildest dreams it would go on so long,anyway,I'd always said if we were to damage the car when taking him home would he put his hand in his pocket and help pay for repairs.....answer loud and clear..no, on the day that broke the camels back the car was damage and not a peep out of this "friend",you might say well why should he and I'd say why not because in effect I was paying him to take him home as we were going well out of our way to take him and he used to have a taxi £6 a time, he didn't even offer anything....top and bottom had a big row with hubby over it, bty cost us £600 to repair the car, he admitted he didn't think it would go on so long he thought it would be a one off.....this is where "don't do what we did" comes in, stupidly we felt awkward in having to say anything so we came up with a scenario whereby I was going out early and we couldn't take him home I was gobsmacked when hubby went to the loo this guy started quizzing me why are you going out, who with, where to etc!!!!! but if that wasn't bad enough the next time I went in the pub I got why were you nasty to , what have you done to , he was so upset you've really upset him, didn't think you were like that... up shot a very loud "so now tell me why you think I was being nasty, upsetting you" I asked him had it never occurred to you we were going out of our way we left the pub and went home......later I got multiple phone calls saying sorry we hadn't realised we only knew what told us.......so between that last time of not taking him home and the first time in the pub our (mine specifically) names were mud and we were the villians of the peace.....would I do it again...yes, but I'd just say not going to be taking you home anymore and I wouldn't beat around the bush so as not to hurt feelings I would be polite but in this instance he didn't care if, as a result of his lies, my feelings were hurt.........be polite, be specific and don't feel guilty

Susu54 · 30/06/2024 11:27

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 29/06/2024 23:40

Ffs people Read the update before posting.

Is it acceptable on this forum that ppl are rude??

Putyoursunscreenon · 30/06/2024 11:32

Susu54 · 30/06/2024 11:27

Is it acceptable on this forum that ppl are rude??

Yes, rudeness is allowed, as is swearing. No personal attacks, troll hunting, bigotry though.

Not saying people should be rude, but yes it's allowed on here.

Netmums is gentler and think you have to be more polite and not swear over there, from what I've heard

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