So I was doing some “spirng cleaning” as we are leaving on a (nonsit) short vacation and I have a sitter coming. I found this quirky bottle opener in the back of a drawer. It had been “missing” for over a year. I’ll admit I suspected a long ago sitter of maybe taking it. I hadn’t noticed its absense till a couple of weeks (at least) after their sit, and had already left my review and never said anything because I figured it would probably turn up someday, but in the back of my mind, this little shadow. I’m glad I found it and that the shadow has lifted.
So here’s my question: Has anyone else ever suspected a sitter or a host of some nefarious behavior or minor mess up and then realized you got it wrong?
I’ve had a few instances where the HO followed up post-sit, saying they were unable to find something. Some were items I had used/seen, others were not. Each time, the HO followed up to let me know they found the missing item, which I appreciated. Their approach and tone were not accusatory, but I did have to make a conscious effort not to read suspicion into their perfectly reasonable request.
I was quite the little klepto as a child, so I am always immediately suspicious. Then I remind myself that it will most likely turn up, so quit thinking the worst. I don’t really have much I’d miss terribly, so I try to think of it that way, too.
I had a hugely expensive heirloom ring hidden in a closet that “disappeared”. After searching everywhere I came to the conclusion that someone in my cleaning service must have taken it, as they were the only ones who had been in the house while I was gone. I blamed myself - my parents always taught me to never leave temptation in the path of someone who might not be able to resist - and put my mind at ease by hoping that whoever had taken it had used it for some good purpose, like helping to pay their rent or put their kid through college or some such thing.
About a YEAR later, I found the ring in the back of a locked cabinet drawer in a completely different part of the house. It was then that I remembered that shortly before the trip, I had decided the locked cabinet was a more secure location than the closet…but since it had been in the closet for decades, had forgotten my decision. It was quite a lesson for me in not making assumptions without actual hard evidence. (and my cleaning service got an extra big holiday bonus)
This was a WhatsApp message we once received asking us in a very polite British way whether we had nicked a silver napkin ring …
Them -
It occurs after every sit, or indeed some visitors and usually means something mysteriously arrived or moved/misfiled which turns up eventually. Often we let it just evolve until eureka moment but this time wanted to ask just in case, and while our place is still reasonably fresh in your minds… did you chaps come across a silver napkin ring, probably with a green napkin within? They normally travel as a pair, but found only one (in blue bowl on dining room side of big white shelf). It would probably have seemed incongruous, wherever we’ve put it, hence the question. Any thoughts gratefully received, and apologies for even having to involve you in our confusion.
Us -
Sorry, I didn’t know where to put the napkin ring and didn’t realise it was one of a pair. I put it in the draw in the dining area where all the place mats go.
Perfect timing because my husband and I currently on a sit. I had a video chat and then drove out and met the couple and went through the home in detail and etc The HO has used TH a lot. My husband and I are not new at this and have a perfect record. So our surprise when we came into the house after HO left to see pantry curtained so we wouldn’t use items, closets w/sticky notes that said, Please Stay Out”, extra Refrigerator and Freezer sticky note,”Please Keep Out”, it disturbs us because if there had been past issues, we wished they would have explained— it makes us feel not trusted and a huge damper on the sit. Also, the oldest rugs —the entire rubber mat was disintegrating and making a mess. We have had to care for more than two pets (which we love). HO very controlling about how to clean —toilets too. We brought our own condiments, etc. First time the HO didn’t invite us to help ourselves. We left everything as they left it in refrigerator—disappointing that plenty opportunities to open up about any of their concerns. Also, we have worried about how to leave comment about sit. Of course all prior are glowing. But, we just don’t appreciate being treated in an unprofessional way.
I would mark down for hospitality and mention the notes in the review, saying you understand HOs can feel anxious about strangers in their home but this made you feel untrusted.
My first thought is they are being helpful by posting notes to eliminate any confusion that could lead to challenges during your stay. However, if you picked up on a vibe of distrust or anything other than appreciation while interacting with them, I can see how the notes would feel like unhospitable reminders of distrust. If you haven’t already, you might want to read the reviews left for previous sitters
I would suggest to Home Owners to lock away anything valuable but more to protect the sitter. If a HO misplaces something or whatever, it’s unfair for a sitter to become unwittingly involved.
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