How to tell visiting family that we'd like them to leave on Sunday?

[Anonymous]

Some of my family members frequently stay at our house for the weekend. The last few times they stayed until Monday. I'd like to politely tell them that leaving on Sunday works better for our family. How can I do this politely?

[Anonymous]

I think you say just that. It is polite enough. You could be more polite by saying why it is more convenient.

[Anonymous]

Who is it? Parents, a cousin, Aunt Lily's sister's husband's nephew? How often do they visit?? Are they invited by you or do they kind of invite themselves? Are they arriving on Friday night? How far away do they live?

Next time they talk about planning to visit, just say you're excited to see them and looking forward to their visit, but it works better for your family to have Sunday evening to power down and get ready for the week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you say just that. It is polite enough. You could be more polite by saying why it is more convenient.

+1.

[Anonymous]

We have the same issue with my in-laws. They drive and prefer not to drive at night so they are waiting at the door Friday when we get home and leave Monday morning. I haven't found a way around it yet.

[Anonymous]

I don't really understand this. When my mother was planning her last visit she was worried about hitting weekend traffic so mentioned staying until Monday. I said that wouldn't work for us. Done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of my family members frequently stay at our house for the weekend. The last few times they stayed until Monday. I'd like to politely tell them that leaving on Sunday works better for our family. How can I do this politely?

Frequently? Yuck.
The weekend is the only time we have to unwind or attempt to catch up on family time and admin. Or catch up on office work. Weeke or week long guests really set us back. I'd just say the new rule and a couple reasons. Hold your ground.

[Anonymous]

"So Sally, just a heads up that we'll need to end your visit at 3pm on Sunday. As much as we love having you here, I'm gonna have to give you the boot at 3:00p. "

[Anonymous]

The next time they come, just say,

"I'm so happy you guys are coming! But we're gonna have to cut the visit short through Sunday... Monday's are so crazy for us with _______."

Hopefully they'll take that to mean that this is permanent for each visit.

Then, the next time they come, mention it again:

"Let's plan to go out to lunch Sunday before you guys get back on the road..."

or

"Friday-Sunday is perfect for our schedule! I'm so glad you're coming to see us again!"

[Anonymous]

"We'd like you to leave on Sunday"

[Anonymous]

21:32 again...

Forgot to say that I get you, OP. For some reason, I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. Sometimes you just gotta pipe up though.

For example, I was helping my SIL in packing my nephews lunch while she was going through a difficult time. I kept waiting for her to start doing it herself, and she never did. I finally had to pipe up and say, "OK, so I'm gonna let you start handling Joey's lunches..."

I honestly agonized for days about how to do this, and when I finally did, it was like a weight had been lifted.

Its plain, simple and easy for some people to speak up, but for me, not so much.

[Anonymous]

Are they flying in to see you? Driving NY-DC? For either of those, I can definitely see why they want to wait til Monday. Flights are notably cheaper on Mondays than Sundays. NY-DC traffic is horrific Sunday afternoons. If you really want them to be gone by Sunday evening regardless of the increased airfare or hours in traffic, you're of course entitled to that - it is your home & all - but it may mean they visit less often, which maybe isn't a downside for you?