KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR | Annie's Mailbox They sound like the houseguests from hell

Dear Annie: Recently, my boyfriend and I visited some friends who live two hours away. The day we arrived, "Cheryl" was busy cleaning the apartment and "Todd" was not yet home from work. I had asked Cheryl two days in advance to please clean the guestroom, as I am allergic to cats and may break out in hives. I assumed this would have been taken care of before we arrived.
During the evening, we did nothing but sit around and watch a movie. Then, they went to bed at 10:30. We barely had a conversation. I understand that Cheryl was tired because she had an emergency root canal that morning and Todd had to be at work early, but if they were having guests, wouldn't it be more respectful to stay up with us, since we are night owls?
The second day, right before we were going to leave, we got into an involved conversation and wound up staying two hours longer than I had planned. I am not keen on driving at night. Plus, they had plenty of time to talk the day before. Why did they wait until the last minute? What really infuriates me is that I took the time, energy and money to have a quality visit and was terribly disappointed.
When I get my own place, my guests won't wait around while I finish what I need to do. Rather, I will participate in activities that we all enjoy. And, I will start the "festivities" immediately upon their arrival. Am I alone in this? Insulted in Kenosha, Wis.
Dear Insulted: My, my, you expect a great deal from your hosts. Did Cheryl and Todd invite you, or did you invite yourselves? Did you ask if it was a convenient time to visit?
Todd and Cheryl do not run a hotel for your amusement. People who work during the day cannot be expected to stay up all night for your benefit. Someone who has had a root canal is likely to be on medication, and it's a sign of great forbearance that Cheryl could clean her house and keep up her end of the conversation. It's hard to believe these people agreed to have you stay overnight. You sound like the houseguests from hell.
Dear Annie: I didn't like your advice to "Fed Up in California." How can you say to a dual income couple that "you should be able to afford" help around the house?
My wife and I both work and are well paid, but we still have a tough time making ends meet. The cost of living is very high these days. You should never assume someone has a solid financial situation because they both work. Jim in California
Dear Jim: True, but in most cases, working couples can afford some cleaning assistance once in a while. It depends on how you prioritize your money. We apologize to those working couples who absolutely cannot afford it at any time.
Dear Annie: I was a hairdresser for many years and had several elderly clients. "Agnes" came in every week, and I became quite fond of her before she developed Alzheimer's and stopped coming to my shop.
One week, I looked out the front window and said sadly, "The clouds are coming in, and the sunshine is gone." Agnes replied, "Well, dear, sometimes you need to make your own sunshine." From that day forward, whenever I see a dreary day or feel a little blue, I say it's time to make my own sunshine. It always makes me feel better and reminds me of that sweet lady. T.I. in Acampo, Calif.
Dear T.I.: What a lovely sentiment. We should all make our own sunshine, as often as possible. Thanks for sharing your story.
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