Having company can be a great pleasure. For a while there it was clear that we were too good at being hosts because it felt like we were running a bed and breakfast. (At least for certain family members.) They kept coming and we kept putting them up, then putting up with them. Then not feeling like putting up with them. (Then not even answering the phone when it was them.)
Now, a good counselor would tell you, if you find yourself in the position of a not very enthusiastic host, that it is time to have The Conversation and Set Boundaries. We tried this, and it did not go exactly as we had hoped.
E-mails were sent to other family members about how awful we were that we wouldn't let them come every other weekend to stay at our little bed-and-breakfast-and-lunch-and-dinner-and-entertainment home. (Note: For the confused, we do not operate a bed-and-breakfast. We simply live in our house.)
So, we found a better solution. You know all that clutter FlyLady is telling you to deal with? Don't deal with it. Put it in your guest room. Once you use your guest room for storage, you have an excuse for why those certain family members can't come every other weekend. It's sort of a blockade on your guest room -- and your sanity.
If you have friends who are actually a pleasure who want to come for a visit (or you want to invite for a visit), just move the stuff. Don't get rid of it. You'll need to move it back in.
Use your guest room for storage and you'll be in control of your time, your household and your peace of mind.
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