Let’s stay focused on the main point. I’m speaking from both experience and perspective. After more than 30 years in education, across a wide range of settings — including very challenging ones — I’ve learned a great deal about communication, compassion, and constructive dialogue.
I won’t be engaging further with comments that distract from the purpose of this discussion.
Returning to the original point: Reading reviews can offer valuable insight. I’m sincerely grateful to those who take the time to share their experiences, best practices, and helpful tips.
I have learned a great deal from this community, and I appreciate the thoughtful contributions. Thank you.
I agree that we need to read reviews, I also need to add something very important-when you sensed some red flags or something just doesn’t feel right, whether from the listings or from the chat, trust your gut! Don’t let those 5 star reviews override your gut.
You seem to pride yourself on your open and honest communication style, yet when someone disagrees, criticizes your approach or otherwise challenges you, they’re shut right down. Seems contradictory.
I would add that people also do such (leave postive reviews when less than favourable circumstances existed) because they want to look good for future hosts/sits. These people - hosts and sitters - whose concern about themselves takes priority to honesty and contributing to community safety, etc. taint the system.
I’ve always done this and feel it’s imperative, not just a “nice to do” for sitters to be prepared. I not only read what’s in the reviews, I read between the lines! Sometimes what’s not mentioned or what’s phrased vaguely is a big clue.
And since everyone here travels, I’ll add that I do the same thing before booking any AirBnB or other rental. First, I don’t book any that don’t have a significant number of reviews (the first few reviews are often planted by friends; places with no reviews are often a disaster waiting to unfold). Then I read all the reviews, paying special attention to criticisms. After awhile, you can tell which criticisms are valid and which aren’t (sometimes people are cranky or demanding or just like to complain). A negative review can be ignored, but I make sure there’s enough evidence out weighing it first.
I think a lot of us can benefit from your advice.
