House guests - made me realize how easily irritated I am

[GunsNroses2025]

Hi all,

like many over the Xmas period , I have some houseguests staying for a few days, auntie and uncle from Ireland (bit of a favor to my parents as they usually stop with them but my dad's just had a knee op) , a couple in their 60s, very kind and generous people however I can't believe how irritated in getting by having houseguests, I've always considered myself as a very laid back person but I'm finding myself getting irritated at every little thing and it's making me feel so selfish , it's really silly things like : my uncle dropping the most foul smelling farts 🙈🙈 (and not silent ones either ) , my auntie commenting and questioning every little thing (no malice in it anyone with Irish relatives will know what I'm on about ) they come from a small town in Ireland where everyone knows everyone so comes across as a bit nosey at times , and just silly little things , Im just surprised at how easily irritated I'm getting, bless my partner as this is eating into his Christmas break as well and so far he's been so patient with it, anyone else hear where I'm coming from or am I just being uptight?

Some house guests are harder work than others.

Know that it is temporary, you are doing this for a greater social good, and try to be proactive to take charge of the situation and avoid the things that annoy you - steer the conversation to safer topics, encourage them out of the house to fart elsewhere, etc.

I would be exactly the same. All this entertaining and spending time with family is really getting on my nerves now. I can’t wait till everyone fucks off.

I was standing outside in the rain today watching my dog take a shit in the garden and thinking ‘don’t rush it because then I’ll have to go back in the house and deal with rude teenagers, opinionated MIL, dickhead brother in-laws and overexcited kids.’

Maybe they find your generalisations about Irish people based on a sample size of one, the fact that your aunt questions and comments on everything, equally irritating.

Mine all went home today... bliss.
I need a lot of personal space, and while I like most of my family, there are too many of us in a small space and the noise, chaos, people trying to 'help' me in the kitchen... it makes me a less nice person than usual!

Thank heavens it's only once a year!

anyone with Irish relatives will know what I'm on about

I don’t. Can you elaborate, please?

I find hosting to be exhausting, even when the guests themselves are perfectly nice people and ideal guests. It's the fact that they're invading my personal space and making alone time scarce. It's nothing personal, but the experience is always stressful for me, and I breathe a guilty sigh of relief when they leave.

They can talk for england (or Ireland in this case) please noone take offence by this comment I adore and I am so proud of my Irish roots all I mean is it's a bit overwhelming when in such a small space

Are you really “easily irritated”, or just human? I think most of us would struggle not having our own space to decompress in.

my uncle dropping the most foul smelling farts 🙈🙈 (and not silent ones either
What did you say? Did anyone flinch or just pretend this was the norm? Revolting to not even excuse himself or apologise. 😧

I wouldn't say that was being easily irritated!

I'd say you have the patience of a saint!

I've been the same. PiLs staying from abroad, we've wanted them to visit us for years but they've not been well enough. I think this is the first time they've visited since 2017 or 18. They are lovely, appreciative and great guests. But they are driving me insane! They appear every time I pop out of my room! I have to do all the cooking with the 2 of them talking at me.
We've spent a long time getting our house visitor - ready, and I am so disappointed to realise I find it stressful.
Maybe visiting at Christmas just adds stress - it's hard to get out and about because the days are so short, and there's more expectation on the food.
Anyway, I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with hosting!

Seriously couldn't you be more insulting if you tried! Shame on you.

I was the exact same until I started on sertraline for ocd. A happy effect of this is that I’m waaaay less irritable 😂