Stressed over DB visit

[ILoveCake12]

My DB is coming to visit on Thursday and I am in a real state. I am so embarrassed by my house and I can't help.but think he'll be judgemental about it (not to us but in his head). He is such a neat freak and we've just got so much crap everywhere. The problem is there are 4 of us, DH, me, DD (19) and DS (16) and we don't have nearly enough storage, the house is way too small and we can't afford to move just now. I try to keep it as tidy as I can but it just looks crammed. My DS has said many a time that we need a bigger house which just upsets me. I have anxiety problems and am working myself up already and my DB is coming on Thursday. I love my DB to bits, he is an amazingly positive and lovely person but I still feel this way. Not much I can do about any of it but just really want to put my feelings down somewhere.

Hi, I can understand why you would feel this way, it has been so long since we have had anyone in our houses that it feels like such a personal thing to have people back in them. You said that your DB is a positive and lovely person, try and concentrate on that. I’m sure he will just be so pleased to see you all and want to spend time with you that he will just be focusing on that.
I would focus your energy into the rooms that he is going to see. Perhaps your living room? Kitchen? Perhaps it would make you feel better to clear those rooms temporarily, even if you dump things up in bedroom just for the time that he is visiting? That way you won’t have to worry about it and would feel like you have fewer ‘things’ in the room that he is in. I really doubt he will be thinking about it but it might make you feel better and you will be able to relax and enjoy the visit more.