How Many Times Can You Irritate Me In The First Five Minutes?

Front door not even shut after welcoming them in (it's the female that's speaking...over him, over me...)

Her: "So how long has this home been in your family?"
Me: "This is not a family home. I purchased this while on vacation here ten years ago."
Her: "Oh, you are single? Not married? You live alone?"
Me: "I do this myself."
Her: "Oh, Bless Your Heart! (arghhhhhhh...ready to throttle this hag!)...well, is this all you do? Just rent out rooms in your home? This is what you do for a living?"
I seriously stopped answering her. I've never done that before. In ten years, I have never ignored a guest, regardless how intrusive the questions were. I simply stopped answering her and started giving my spiel. She tried to interrupt several times, and I just kept on ignoring her. I am tired of internalizing the aggravation I feel at people that are so freaking stupid and clueless about any world outside of their own. Especially when they put on a fake face and try to appear inquisitive instead of just degrading, rude and nosy.

I will not let this ruin my day. I will not. I will not. I will have a drink in a bit. I will. I will.

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

This is the point at which I would have said "Excuse me?" With a look that should have immediately clued them in that they are being rude and intrusive. It's just really RUDE. Locals would rather talk about who they slept with than about marital status!

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Wow, Banana!! Arks gave a hug without being forced to be polite! You should feel honored!

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

BananaE29 said:

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.

Click to expand...

Lock your quarters and go out to dinner! Make yourself scarce if you can. Let her harange her husband instead of you. ita:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

That annoys me... Calling thru the house for me. Ring the bell! I hear them opening doors with "private" on them and yelling for us.
Yell away. Like Pavlov's dogs I only answer to the ringing bell.
Annoying in the first five minutes

• Interrupting when I'm trying to explain. My line is: All will be revealed (use the spooky voice)
• Challenging our way of doing business (collecting the payment on arrival - hey pal it's in your confirmation)
• Complaining about the stairs (I'm very clear about stairs - do you hear that guests who have never seen a 2- storey building)
• Walking right into my kitchen
• Handing me a bag of trash from the car
• Walking away as I'm explaining where to find things and then yelling for me later on because they can't find it

Like you, after 10 years we've heard every variation of intrusive question. I figure in this year 10 my response should be either, "are you looking to buy?" Or, "does your job pay the bills?"
Ann landers says you should look them in the eye and ask them why they want to know.

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

That annoys me... Calling thru the house for me. Ring the bell! I hear them opening doors with "private" on them and yelling for us.
Yell away. Like Pavlov's dogs I only answer to the ringing bell.
Annoying in the first five minutes

• Interrupting when I'm trying to explain. My line is: All will be revealed (use the spooky voice)
• Challenging our way of doing business (collecting the payment on arrival - hey pal it's in your confirmation)
• Complaining about the stairs (I'm very clear about stairs - do you hear that guests who have never seen a 2- storey building)
• Walking right into my kitchen
• Handing me a bag of trash from the car
• Walking away as I'm explaining where to find things and then yelling for me later on because they can't find it

Like you, after 10 years we've heard every variation of intrusive question. I figure in this year 10 my response should be either, "are you looking to buy?" Or, "does your job pay the bills?"
Ann landers says you should look them in the eye and ask them why they want to know.
.

Click to expand...

I've read that advice from Ann Landers also, and I've tried it, but it still feels awkward and rude. I haven't got that sweet, fake-y Southern thing going that this woman does. She would beat me every time at that game.

Yes, I've made myself scarce and unavailable to her in person. I knew she would call when she finally remembered that's what she was supposed to do if she needed me. I have no problem being available for questions, but it doesn't have to be in person all the time. No one needs to know what door I'm behind, for crying out loud. It's just not necessary!

BananaE29 said:

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

That annoys me... Calling thru the house for me. Ring the bell! I hear them opening doors with "private" on them and yelling for us.
Yell away. Like Pavlov's dogs I only answer to the ringing bell.
Annoying in the first five minutes

• Interrupting when I'm trying to explain. My line is: All will be revealed (use the spooky voice)
• Challenging our way of doing business (collecting the payment on arrival - hey pal it's in your confirmation)
• Complaining about the stairs (I'm very clear about stairs - do you hear that guests who have never seen a 2- storey building)
• Walking right into my kitchen
• Handing me a bag of trash from the car
• Walking away as I'm explaining where to find things and then yelling for me later on because they can't find it

Like you, after 10 years we've heard every variation of intrusive question. I figure in this year 10 my response should be either, "are you looking to buy?" Or, "does your job pay the bills?"
Ann landers says you should look them in the eye and ask them why they want to know.
.

Click to expand...

I've read that advice from Ann Landers also, and I've tried it, but it still feels awkward and rude. I haven't got that sweet, fake-y Southern thing going that this woman does. She would beat me every time at that game.

Yes, I've made myself scarce and unavailable to her in person. I knew she would call when she finally remembered that's what she was supposed to do if she needed me. I have no problem being available for questions, but it doesn't have to be in person all the time. No one needs to know what door I'm behind, for crying out loud. It's just not necessary!
.

Click to expand...

You have to bring to the game what you're best at. With annoying people I'm best at rude NY'er.
If you can't out saccharine, then pretend you're from Jersey (the state, not the island) and just be rude.
Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.
It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

That annoys me... Calling thru the house for me. Ring the bell! I hear them opening doors with "private" on them and yelling for us.
Yell away. Like Pavlov's dogs I only answer to the ringing bell.
Annoying in the first five minutes

• Interrupting when I'm trying to explain. My line is: All will be revealed (use the spooky voice)
• Challenging our way of doing business (collecting the payment on arrival - hey pal it's in your confirmation)
• Complaining about the stairs (I'm very clear about stairs - do you hear that guests who have never seen a 2- storey building)
• Walking right into my kitchen
• Handing me a bag of trash from the car
• Walking away as I'm explaining where to find things and then yelling for me later on because they can't find it

Like you, after 10 years we've heard every variation of intrusive question. I figure in this year 10 my response should be either, "are you looking to buy?" Or, "does your job pay the bills?"
Ann landers says you should look them in the eye and ask them why they want to know.
.

Click to expand...

I've read that advice from Ann Landers also, and I've tried it, but it still feels awkward and rude. I haven't got that sweet, fake-y Southern thing going that this woman does. She would beat me every time at that game.

Yes, I've made myself scarce and unavailable to her in person. I knew she would call when she finally remembered that's what she was supposed to do if she needed me. I have no problem being available for questions, but it doesn't have to be in person all the time. No one needs to know what door I'm behind, for crying out loud. It's just not necessary!
.

Click to expand...

You have to bring to the game what you're best at. With annoying people I'm best at rude NY'er.
If you can't out saccharine, then pretend you're from Jersey (the state, not the island) and just be rude.
Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.
It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.
.

Click to expand...

Madeleine said:

Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.

Click to expand...

That made me laugh out loud. Hilarious.

Madeleine said:

It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.

Click to expand...

And this is very true. Irritating and ridiculous, but true. I once had a young couple smoke pot in their room. I didn't smell it until they left for the day and I went up to clean the room. I was irate! I called them and told them they had a choice - they could choose to leave on their own, without a refund for the remaining night...OR I could talk to my police officer husband about the little "issue" in their room and let him decide how to handle it. They fell all over themselves with apologies and were back to get their belongings and out of the house within an hour of the phone call.

I have also asked people to please be careful with slamming the front door (it's 125 years old with beveled glass, for crying out loud! Get a clue!) because my husband works nights at the jail and it jars him awake every time.

Whatever works. It pi$$es me off that if there's a hint of a man here, people behave differently, but it is what it is.

BananaE29 said:

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

That annoys me... Calling thru the house for me. Ring the bell! I hear them opening doors with "private" on them and yelling for us.
Yell away. Like Pavlov's dogs I only answer to the ringing bell.
Annoying in the first five minutes

• Interrupting when I'm trying to explain. My line is: All will be revealed (use the spooky voice)
• Challenging our way of doing business (collecting the payment on arrival - hey pal it's in your confirmation)
• Complaining about the stairs (I'm very clear about stairs - do you hear that guests who have never seen a 2- storey building)
• Walking right into my kitchen
• Handing me a bag of trash from the car
• Walking away as I'm explaining where to find things and then yelling for me later on because they can't find it

Like you, after 10 years we've heard every variation of intrusive question. I figure in this year 10 my response should be either, "are you looking to buy?" Or, "does your job pay the bills?"
Ann landers says you should look them in the eye and ask them why they want to know.
.

Click to expand...

I've read that advice from Ann Landers also, and I've tried it, but it still feels awkward and rude. I haven't got that sweet, fake-y Southern thing going that this woman does. She would beat me every time at that game.

Yes, I've made myself scarce and unavailable to her in person. I knew she would call when she finally remembered that's what she was supposed to do if she needed me. I have no problem being available for questions, but it doesn't have to be in person all the time. No one needs to know what door I'm behind, for crying out loud. It's just not necessary!
.

Click to expand...

You have to bring to the game what you're best at. With annoying people I'm best at rude NY'er.
If you can't out saccharine, then pretend you're from Jersey (the state, not the island) and just be rude.
Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.
It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.
.

Click to expand...

Madeleine said:

Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.

Click to expand...

That made me laugh out loud. Hilarious.

Madeleine said:

It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.

Click to expand...

And this is very true. Irritating and ridiculous, but true. I once had a young couple smoke pot in their room. I didn't smell it until they left for the day and I went up to clean the room. I was irate! I called them and told them they had a choice - they could choose to leave on their own, without a refund for the remaining night...OR I could talk to my police officer husband about the little "issue" in their room and let him decide how to handle it. They fell all over themselves with apologies and were back to get their belongings and out of the house within an hour of the phone call.

I have also asked people to please be careful with slamming the front door (it's 125 years old with beveled glass, for crying out loud! Get a clue!) because my husband works nights at the jail and it jars him awake every time.

Whatever works. It pi$$es me off that if there's a hint of a man here, people behave differently, but it is what it is.
.

Click to expand...

And this is very true. Irritating and ridiculous, but true. I once had a young couple smoke pot in their room. I didn't smell it until they left for the day and I went up to clean the room. I was irate! I called them and told them they had a choice - they could choose to leave on their own, without a refund for the remaining night...OR I could talk to my police officer husband about the little "issue" in their room and let him decide how to handle it. They fell all over themselves with apologies and were back to get their belongings and out of the house within an hour of the phone call.

I have also asked people to please be careful with slamming the front door (it's 125 years old with beveled glass, for crying out loud! Get a clue!) because my husband works nights at the jail and it jars him awake every time.

Whatever works. It pi$$es me off that if there's a hint of a man here, people behave differently, but it is what it is.
[/quote]
And a man with a badge at that! lol

Copperhead said:

BananaE29 said:

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Madeleine said:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

That annoys me... Calling thru the house for me. Ring the bell! I hear them opening doors with "private" on them and yelling for us.
Yell away. Like Pavlov's dogs I only answer to the ringing bell.
Annoying in the first five minutes

• Interrupting when I'm trying to explain. My line is: All will be revealed (use the spooky voice)
• Challenging our way of doing business (collecting the payment on arrival - hey pal it's in your confirmation)
• Complaining about the stairs (I'm very clear about stairs - do you hear that guests who have never seen a 2- storey building)
• Walking right into my kitchen
• Handing me a bag of trash from the car
• Walking away as I'm explaining where to find things and then yelling for me later on because they can't find it

Like you, after 10 years we've heard every variation of intrusive question. I figure in this year 10 my response should be either, "are you looking to buy?" Or, "does your job pay the bills?"
Ann landers says you should look them in the eye and ask them why they want to know.
.

Click to expand...

I've read that advice from Ann Landers also, and I've tried it, but it still feels awkward and rude. I haven't got that sweet, fake-y Southern thing going that this woman does. She would beat me every time at that game.

Yes, I've made myself scarce and unavailable to her in person. I knew she would call when she finally remembered that's what she was supposed to do if she needed me. I have no problem being available for questions, but it doesn't have to be in person all the time. No one needs to know what door I'm behind, for crying out loud. It's just not necessary!
.

Click to expand...

You have to bring to the game what you're best at. With annoying people I'm best at rude NY'er.
If you can't out saccharine, then pretend you're from Jersey (the state, not the island) and just be rude.
Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.
It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.
.

Click to expand...

Madeleine said:

Is amazing how many people toe the line if they think you know Tony soprano.

Click to expand...

That made me laugh out loud. Hilarious.

Madeleine said:

It's also amazing how many people toe the line if they think there's a guy in the back room. Pitiful but there it is.

Click to expand...

And this is very true. Irritating and ridiculous, but true. I once had a young couple smoke pot in their room. I didn't smell it until they left for the day and I went up to clean the room. I was irate! I called them and told them they had a choice - they could choose to leave on their own, without a refund for the remaining night...OR I could talk to my police officer husband about the little "issue" in their room and let him decide how to handle it. They fell all over themselves with apologies and were back to get their belongings and out of the house within an hour of the phone call.

I have also asked people to please be careful with slamming the front door (it's 125 years old with beveled glass, for crying out loud! Get a clue!) because my husband works nights at the jail and it jars him awake every time.

Whatever works. It pi$$es me off that if there's a hint of a man here, people behave differently, but it is what it is.
.

Click to expand...

And this is very true. Irritating and ridiculous, but true. I once had a young couple smoke pot in their room. I didn't smell it until they left for the day and I went up to clean the room. I was irate! I called them and told them they had a choice - they could choose to leave on their own, without a refund for the remaining night...OR I could talk to my police officer husband about the little "issue" in their room and let him decide how to handle it. They fell all over themselves with apologies and were back to get their belongings and out of the house within an hour of the phone call.

I have also asked people to please be careful with slamming the front door (it's 125 years old with beveled glass, for crying out loud! Get a clue!) because my husband works nights at the jail and it jars him awake every time.

Whatever works. It pi$$es me off that if there's a hint of a man here, people behave differently, but it is what it is.

Click to expand...

And a man with a badge at that! lol
.

[/QUOTE]
I left a law enforcement dispatching job to do this. The words just seem to flow very easily from my mouth

Breakfast Diva said:

BananaE29 said:

Arks said:

As the roadtrip crew can tell you, I'm not a hugger, but for wisely deciding to proceed with your spiel, and pressing on with it in the face of interruptions, here you go!

.

Click to expand...

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.
.

Click to expand...

BananaE29 said:

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.

Click to expand...

Lock your quarters and go out to dinner! Make yourself scarce if you can. Let her harange her husband instead of you. ita:
.

Click to expand...

Breakfast Diva said:

BananaE29 said:

Thank you Arks! I feel better. Now if she would stop calling my name every time she comes down the stairs, like I'm just waiting underneath them to personally serve her. Sigh...thank goodness it's one night only.

Click to expand...

Lock your quarters and go out to dinner! Make yourself scarce if you can. Let her harange her husband instead of you. ita:

Click to expand...

This one bears repeating. Just leave. After everyone is checked in, you are 'off duty.'

Things that bug me:
a) not showing up for breakfast when you are the only guests, and/or
b) walking into the B&B and acting like you reserve the right to ask any personal question you want. If you were an "employee" would they be asking this?
Being for sale you may feel more obliged to answer these questions not knowing if they are secretly looking. Don't feel obliged, if they are doing that then shame on them, double shame.
"No one rents a room at this inn and rents the innkeeper!" as much as the TA reviews talk all about the innkeeper etc, don't fall for that rubbish. They rent a room, NOT YOU.

The ones that bug me are those that can't tell time. They say they will arrive early and don't. Or they know breakfast is 8 - 10 so they stroll down at 10:30 wondering where the food is.
But the worst time issue is late checkout. We only have a small window in which to fix up the room before we have new guests. It is not convenient to wait for you an hour or more.
We are learning to be more strict on timing.

Joey Bloggs said:

Things that bug me:
a) not showing up for breakfast when you are the only guests, and/or
b) walking into the B&B and acting like you reserve the right to ask any personal question you want. If you were an "employee" would they be asking this?
Being for sale you may feel more obliged to answer these questions not knowing if they are secretly looking. Don't feel obliged, if they are doing that then shame on them, double shame.
"No one rents a room at this inn and rents the innkeeper!" as much as the TA reviews talk all about the innkeeper etc, don't fall for that rubbish. They rent a room, NOT YOU..

Click to expand...

Joey Bloggs said:

Being for sale you may feel more obliged to answer these questions not knowing if they are secretly looking. Don't feel obliged, if they are doing that then shame on them, double shame

Click to expand...

I never thought of that. I should think people would be right up front if that's why they're digging around. But that's why I'm usually disappointed - I expect people to act as I would.

TheBeachHouse said:

The ones that bug me are those that can't tell time. They say they will arrive early and don't. Or they know breakfast is 8 - 10 so they stroll down at 10:30 wondering where the food is.
But the worst time issue is late checkout. We only have a small window in which to fix up the room before we have new guests. It is not convenient to wait for you an hour or more.
We are learning to be more strict on timing..

Click to expand...

I have a spiel that works (on the weekends when I do a full breakfast). When there is a lull in the table conversation, I say "I always try to be available to say goodbye for checkout time at 11:00, but if you can't find me, you can leave the keys in the room." This was difficult and awkward for me the first couple times I said it - I felt I was blowing people off - but as with anything, it gets easier with practice. Otherwise, I was finding myself on the constant listen and look out for people leaving, and the breakfast dishes just sat and sat because I couldn't get to them. Now I continue on with what I need to do, and they have been told that checkout is 11:00. There is no reason for them to be late getting out, unless they are just rude. That's when the knock on the door at 11:15 usually does the trick (but I still really hate doing that!)

BananaE29 said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Things that bug me:
a) not showing up for breakfast when you are the only guests, and/or
b) walking into the B&B and acting like you reserve the right to ask any personal question you want. If you were an "employee" would they be asking this?
Being for sale you may feel more obliged to answer these questions not knowing if they are secretly looking. Don't feel obliged, if they are doing that then shame on them, double shame.
"No one rents a room at this inn and rents the innkeeper!" as much as the TA reviews talk all about the innkeeper etc, don't fall for that rubbish. They rent a room, NOT YOU..

Click to expand...

Joey Bloggs said:

Being for sale you may feel more obliged to answer these questions not knowing if they are secretly looking. Don't feel obliged, if they are doing that then shame on them, double shame

Click to expand...

I never thought of that. I should think people would be right up front if that's why they're digging around. But that's why I'm usually disappointed - I expect people to act as I would.
.

Click to expand...

BananaE29 said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Being for sale you may feel more obliged to answer these questions not knowing if they are secretly looking. Don't feel obliged, if they are doing that then shame on them, double shame

Click to expand...

I never thought of that. I should think people would be right up front if that's why they're digging around. But that's why I'm usually disappointed - I expect people to act as I would.

Click to expand...

That is the one thing I tell myself all the time.
No one sees through my eyes, everyone has a different POV, we always think people can be level headed and see things straight, but they don't, some can't!
Unfortunately, the one big mistake every person makes is to assume the worse intentions on behalf of any other person who comments or does something. I had this recently with a person who never stops talking to listen. They have no clue what anyone else's perspective of reasoning is, they never listen, ever. And to be honest, they never will!

Example of those guests who went to one of the funkiest little places ever and came to the breakfast table and bad mouthed it. The same week a very famous band, back together, played down the road (yes 3 blocks walk) and from the stage mentioned this "funkiest little place" and said they would go there every day if they lived here! How great and how fun it is!
I looked at DH and said "See!" Some people have no sense of humor, so fun and funky are lost on them. Some people just don't care.