We’ve occasionally been told by pet parents that we’re welcome to stay with them whenever we’re in the area and / or if we’re stuck for a few days of accommodation. We’ve never taken anyone up on it but, the offers were genuine (and some have even written this in their reviews!). It sounds as if this sitter is basically testing the waters, when he has never received any encouragement to do so. I’d suggest you should be polite, but firm, so he gets the message and doesn’t try to freeload on your hospitality again.
is it? I don’t think so. While I absolutely understand that someone can’t just invite themselves, I don’t think it’s right to see THS as a business transaction. I would never sit for someone who thinks it that way
The problem is that if Brits said this, they tend to say things like that quite readily, but they don’t always mean it exactly as it sounds. It’s a very British thing. Not that they mean the complete opposite, but they also don’t always mean it as directly as it might seem. Depending on where you’re from, this can be a bit confusing.
We Germans, for example, rarely say something we don’t mean. And if we don’t say anything, that’s exactly what it means
I recently read a book about the British and their customs, well, actually, two books: The English and Watching the English. It was absolutely fascinating because I didn’t know a lot of these things before. All the details about class, expressions, the things people say, how they say them, and where they say them—it’s really interesting.
But back to the topic. Yes, Brits are very, very polite, and yes, many say that you’re welcome to come by. We’ve often actually done so and feel this is a mutual friendship. However, if you’re always the only one reaching out, maybe it’s best not to take it too literally.
This made me smile. We’re Brits, and the HOs were Brits, and it was most sincerely meant (we’ve stayed in touch with most of those people who made such a kind offer and have met up since).
Don’t be tempted to lump an entire nation together based on a couple of experiences, or from what you’ve read in a book. Stereotypes are a nonsense, and can be quite insulting!
@Happypets Oh, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the UK and its people! I would love to live there, which is why I’ve spent a lot of time in the country. I adore their humor, their friendliness, their knack for small talk, the pub culture, the hiking trails, the coastline, the countryside, the narrow lanes, cream tea, pub quizzes, just everything!
