DEAR Jasminda,

WHAT is the correct method for giving guests a hint to go home when they have stayed well past your bedtime, and you have to work the next day?

George T.

 

Dear George,

This scenario is a challenge; it really depends on how close you are to your guests.

If you have known them for years, it is more than appropriate to say, “Good night, everyone. Some of us have work tomorrow, but feel free to stay and drink into the early hours. The recycle bin is in the carport. There’s a swag in the shed if you don’t want to catch a taxi home.”

If, however, they are relatively new acquaintances, you may need to use a bit more diplomacy. Start by glancing at the wall clock every few minutes and stifling yawns, saying, “Goodness, I’ve had such a great time that I didn’t realise how late it was.”

If this doesn’t work, ask if anyone would like a tea or coffee, which is understood by most people to be ‘time to wrap up the evening’ lingo.

If they say they’d rather stick to the gin and tonics, then you will have to up the ante.

Perhaps you could introduce an activity you know they will hate.

A Quordle challenge, for example.

Or Monopoly. Or Just Dance Nintendo.

If they are up for any of these suggestions, make sure that next time you catch up, you make it at their house, so you can leave any time you want to.

Carpe diem,
Jasminda.