i am used to having my me-time, once my husband & girls go to work and school. so if i have family staying over, i need to make some adjustments and compromises, with love. recently i discovered that i am an introvert and thats why i like being by myself and do my own stuff. i kind of thought that there was something wrong with me all these years. but now i am enjoying my persona as it is, without the guilt of having to be like others, discovering the joy and happiness i savor in being me.
it is wrong to assume that introverts dont enjoy the company of other people. on the contrary i feel our temperaments desire a close relationship at a comfortable distance. i am genuinely interested in people. i may not be able to express it as much because of a lack of skill and practice. surely, the intention is conveyed through unspoken means.
my s-i-l is visiting and i am thinking out in words how i can enjoy the whole process without getting stressed
in the kitchen
§ declutter, clean & organise the fridge
§ clean up gadgets like toaster, food processor, kettle, microwave oven, stove …
§ wipe the drawers and cupboards and put back only the things that are being used
§ check out condiments and add to the grocery list, making sure not to overbuy
§ be aware of the tendency to buy stuff to impress
menu planning
§ make a checklist of the meals that is cooked usually and choose from this selection
§ do not plan exotic dishes
§ plan menu only for the first week, the later weeks will need minor tweaking depending on the preferences of the guests, especially if there are kids
§ make & freeze burgers, sauces, dips beforehand to make it easier to pack school lunch for my girls. otherwise just depend on store bought ones without guilt
§ welcome any help that is offered. ask for help, if needed
§ eat out or use home delivery occasionally
home
§ clean,dust
§ declutter and organize the most used areas
§ clear the surfaces, maintain
§ prepare a room for the guests
§ stock the bathroom
§ make sure the person who has given up their room is properly relocated
clothes
§ choose a set of dresses to wear at home and out, for all members of the family
§ make time in the current laundry schedule to wash the clothes of the guests
going out
§ make a list of the places to go and when
§ have fun
blogging and other hobbies
§ do if possible, but dont stress if there is no time
finally
§ pay attention to my man & girls
§ stick to familiar routine as much as possible
§ if there is anything that must be said (like if i want to clean my favorite pan myself or stop the kids from playing with my collectibles) express it
most important
§ enjoy the company
§ observe, know them better
§ flow with situations
§ be me
did i miss something?
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Aristotle, microchips & chappatis 
congrats on your blog! I cannot agree with you more on an introverts desire to maintain close relations by maintaining a comfortable distance…. there’s an element of contradiction in there!!….but that’s the truth.
thank you! i feel an introvert really listens and pays attention to the other person making it emotionally exhausting, therefore the need for space.