I have a neighbor that occasionally comes over to talk. Usually she's talking about her frustrations over some things. I have a job and recently I thought I would save a little time by multi-tasking by doing a few things within earshot of her while we talk, such as fold some laundry or start supper. Well, she keeps asking if I'm bothering her. She's not bothering me at all. But I'm wondering now if I'm being rude?
2007-03-05 06:03:01 · 18 answers · asked by GBG 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
well if she thinks you're cleaning because you're annoyed...that's a good idea to stop cleaning for a few minutes. But I wouldn't worry about it too much. Offer her a drink or something to eat next time, then she'll feel more welcome.
2007-03-05 06:07:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jaroo 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No, that's not rude. You're not vacuuming or scrubbing the bathtub, you're folding laundry. You can easily do that and talk at the same time. Your not doing something noisy or something that requires you to run all over the house. I think the only time it's not appropriate to do housework when you have company is when you have planned company (like a dinner party or something). Even if I knew one of my friends was going to stop by to chat on a weekend or meet at my house to go out for a drink or dinner, I wouldn't think anything of folding the laundry while we were hanging out, and I wouldn't think anything of it if she did it while I was at her house. Don't worry about it.
2007-03-06 16:25:18 · answer #2 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's rude, and I think you have the same suspicion that it is. If you don't have time to visit then you should just tell her and ask her to call you later. That way she doesn't feel uncomfortable. Guests should alway be made to feel comfortable in your home. And anyway you could probably use a little 10 or 15 minutes to relax and enjoy her company.
2007-03-05 15:11:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
unfortunatly, in the world as it is today, we have to do a lot of multitasking in order to get things done. im sorry to say that im guilty of that too. my mother in law might stop by and ill load my dishwasher or wipe counters. I have 4 children and work full time so if i diddnt I would never be able to visit much with anyone. so no I dont think its rude, at least I hope its not.
2007-03-05 14:14:13 · answer #4 · answered by eightieschick70 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. I used to stop my daily routine to entertain drop-in guest. That left me behind schedule and weary. Then I started telling them in advance that I must take care of some tasks while we visit. The woman who became my best friend said "Oh, here let me help." The work got done in half the time and then we had plenty of time to just sit and visit.
2007-03-05 14:17:16 · answer #5 · answered by babydoll 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Uninvited guests do not have the priviledge of demanding that you stop what you are doing to entertain them. The courtesy of a phone call would have revealed that you are busy doing housework. If your neighbor is in the habit of simply "stopping by", you could say something to the effect of, "Oh, I would love to chat with you, Mary, but I'm doing some housework. If you don't mind talking with me while I work, then I don't mind your company".
2007-03-05 14:18:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I dont think that you are being rude...if anything she should ask if your busy!!! you should explain that you have things to do and that you would like to clean while she speaks, if not you'll can talk later.....but no you are not being rude!!! and you being a pretty good person for listening in the first place/.
2007-03-05 14:08:03 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well kinda. Wouldn't it be easier to say gee Iam sorry but Iam right in the middle of something would it be ok if we got together later? And if she gets a little miffed about it I wouldn't worry. Try it Good Luck
2007-03-05 14:08:28 · answer #8 · answered by thmsnbrgll 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your neighbor is dropping by unannounced, you are NOT being rude. IMHO, she is. She shouldn't expect you to drop whatever you're right in the middle of to entertain her.
IMHO it's common courtesy to let people know AHEAD OF TIME if you want to visit. My family and friends know not to drop by without calling first.
2007-03-05 22:13:12 · answer #9 · answered by marisalwood 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not being rude. When she asks if she is bothering you, tell her certainly not, let her know you enjoy talking to her but also need to get things done.
2007-03-05 21:45:30 · answer #10 · answered by Patti C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If shes coming into your house, to vent frustrations about things...then no, you are not being rude.
IMO, if she wanted your undivided attention...you focusing totally on her and giving her feedback....then I'd think she say *hey lets sit down and have coffee or something, I'd like your advice on something*
As I see it....these are just little chats that happen out of the blue and its perfectly acceptable for you to do what you would be doing anyway....
I don't think you're being rude...:)
2007-03-05 14:09:41 · answer #11 · answered by L ♥ L ♥ 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋