Yeah, @Rebecca_R - you know… I’m the only HO I know… oh, no, my ex also… ok, I’m the only one I can speak for.
And while I try to be upfront, communicative and - I’m german, I get anxious if the plan’s not watertight - lock things in as quickly as I can, and I try to make sure the sitter is not bothered and can plan their stuff too (some need sitters, you know?), I believe not everybody is that way, just like not everybody in general is super self-secure, antsy, a nice person, or empathetic, or interested in the wellbeing of others.
I’ve read very positive stories in the forums here and I’m happy about that, but I have also read some where I had to shake my head and say “what were those people thinking?”
In the end, both “sides” need to make arrangements, book things, get their act together, coordinate, juggle a hundred things for such a trip, and in their heart, I believe everyone knows that, too.
I personally always try to provide some flexibility in the dates… which essentially means I lock - german style - my travel plans down, then add buffer days and then post that. Since I insist on getting to know the sitters anyway, and have always enjoyed staying at least a half day with them - often more -, that’s a no-brainer for me. Some people seem to exchange hellos and keys in the doorway which would creep me out…
Just my view of the world, of course.
Also, @Rebecca_R - go for a different sit. I wouldn’t wait too long for a short-notice one. They haven’t responded a week before the sit, you shouldn’t care more about that than them.
Elmar.