Unwanted Guests

“Do not overstay your welcome.” If all abide by this rule, there will be lesser problems when friends and relatives turn up unannounced. India is famous for its “Atithi Devo Bhava” concept (Guests are equal to God) but this “Atithi” or guest must also follow certain rules.

We once had a visitor who came unannounced. We got to know of his plan an hour before he reached. My parents quickly made arrangements for him. He arrived and made himself feel at home so soon that we felt uncomfortable. He said he was fussy about food and was a staunch vegetarian who did not even have onion or garlic. My mother obliged, cooking for him separately but he would not eat! Either the vegetable was not of his choice or the spices did not agree with his palate. Finally, we took him out to dinner. There he ordered a butter chicken for himself! That was the last straw. My mother gave him such cold treatment that he left early the following day. We were given a few never- to – forget tips by our mother. Never plan a stay without the host’s consent. Your idea of surprise should not be a rude shock for them. Never “feel at home” in somebody else’s house to the extent of taking over their TV or using the refrigerator as your own. Most importantly, make your stay short and sweet.

Guests must be looked after well. However, just as hosts have a certain duty towards their guests, the guests too, have to follow decorum. The stay must be pleasant for everyone.

Questions

• Fill in the blanks. breeds contempt. Do not your welcome.
• What would you do if your friend comes to stay but your mother does not approve?