Ask Amy: Hot and dusty traveler has to beg for water
What do you think?
– Upset Guest
Dear Upset: I agree that this is not the way to treat a guest.
Some people don’t seem to have the skill set to roll out the welcome mat, and this might be because they are not well-traveled, themselves. One way to learn how to be a gracious host is to have the experience of being a grateful guest.
However, I’m not sure you really qualify as a fully-invited guest, because you seem to have reached out to these friends as more of a way-station during your travels.
Years ago, I had a distant friend call at the very last minute and I offered her a bed for the night. She brought her own sheets and towel, tea, granola, etc., almost as if she were camping. I was impressed that she was so prepared to be such a low-trace guest. (I was extremely happy when she agreed to stay a second night.)
You might feel less put-out and thirsty if you had brought a few of your own supplies – just in case.
Dear Amy: My daughter has four children.
Three of her children have been taken/given to the other parent/grandparent to raise.
I am not allowed visitation with them. I'm not even sure where they live.
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