Why are unplanned visits so often disastrous?

United Kingdom
August 25, 2009 4:50pm CST
They shouldn't be. What could be lovelier than a friend or relative walking on in your house while you pop out with the trash in your most raggedy clothes and then surprising you? OK; I am being a little ironic here...it's not ideal; but perhaps it should. Do we all value our privacy too much? I'm a private individual; and don't like to be surprised: I like to feel secluded, and that my place is an impenetrable castle. I'm not always in the mood for visitors; in fact only am when I specifically ask them to come, formally you might say. But is this where I am wrong? For me...unplanned visits are potential disasters: but is this just an indication of how insular I am? Should I loosen up? Thing is...I find that no matter how sweet and welcoming I am, I always feel the unplanned guest is hurt that I look or even act startled; and might even try and get back at me. But...that's because I am not in sociable mode. I need to crank up. So...any views as to why unplanned visits are so often disastrous; or maybe for you they are not: maybe you love them. let's talk visits...planned and unplanned...
1 person likes this
3 responses
• United States
30 Aug 09
The only visit Isa a planned visit.I don't answer the door when I am not expecting anyone. I hate surprises. A surprise visit would be a nightmare.I am usually a kind person but I can go from nice to b!tch if my alone time is spoiled.I need time alone soI can be kind to people,You know me ,I don't think you need to loosen up.Be the newCarland make sure all you family and friends ring you before they knock you up.
• United Kingdom
30 Aug 09
Hi Sarah. My friends are fine...my family though: I keep them sweet; I have to. I want to too...but I also have to...
1 person likes this
• United States
31 Aug 09
Yes.with family you have to be sweetness and light.But being forced to be nice is what makes me the angriest.
@echomonster (2226)
• Greenwood, Mississippi
25 Aug 09
I think one factor is definitely that our friends and family aren't perfect nonjudgmental people. We might have aspects of our life that we'd prefer to keep hidden from them which an unplanned visit might reveal. Personally, I'm a bit of a slob. I don't go around announcing it to everyone or trying to covert others to the cult of slobbiness, but someone paying an unannounced visit might well be confronted with this aspect of my personality. I'm not ashamed, but I don't want to offend anyone either...so I'll certainly tidy up before a planned visitor shows up. Another factor is that the unplanned visit has somewhat gone out of style in modern times. I think this is mainly because distance communication has evolved to the point that you really don't need to see someone in person to convey an immediate message. When unplanned visits do happen, we don't necessarily know how to react because it is an unusual occurrence. Finally, it is natural for people to want privacy and alone time. It's just as vital as socializing, in my view...they're just different aspects of our personalities that both need to be expressed.
• United Kingdom
29 Aug 09
For me it's that...I'm a deep thinker when alone; but prefer to be seen as pleasant and with a light touch. In an ideal world, we wouldn't have to worry about these hidden aspects of our life; but we just don't want to reveal them at the drop of a hat: No matter how we smile and cover up, we are just not in social mode. It's sad, but there it is. Other times though...we are fine; as you say: privacy and socialising are both vital to normal healthy functioning as a human being. I can really empathise with what you're saying: When I'm alone, I'm not the person I necessarily want others to see; and if they do see me, I might offend by mistake which I hate. You make some great points.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
2 Sep 09
I hate it when people stop by without planning it ahead of time. I like to be prepared for it. It is not always good timing when someone drops by without making sure it is alright first. It is a disaster for everyone.