My husband and I recently went to our friends' home. The husband had been going through a really rough time and needed some company. He was so glad to see us and we had such a good time, that it wasn't til the day after that I realized that his wife had been wanting us to leave so she could go to bed several hours before we actually left.
Although I know that her husband really needed and wanted our company, I feel that with me being HER friend, I should call and make an apology for overstaying our welcome. She wasn't rude at all, so I do feel like something should be said, just to clear the air and make amends for not being more aware of her feelings.
What should I say? I want to be as polite and gracious as possible the coversation won't be awkward. Any suggestions?
2007-04-22 08:48:27 · 16 answers · asked by moonj69 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just be honest. Tell her it was so great seeing them that you lost track of time. In retrospect you realized she needed to get to bed and you're really sorry for staying so late.
2007-04-22 08:53:45 · answer #1 · answered by Penelope Smith 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I'd call her and ask her to coffee. Say something along the lines of "We had such a good time last weekend (or whenever) that we completely lost track of time. I hope we didn't keep you up."
Then if she has etiquette she will lie through her teeth and say something like "Oh it was no trouble at all. We enjoyed having you."
I would get her a low-priced (but good) bottle of wine or something as a goodwill gesture.
If she says, "Well actually you did keep me up and I had a big meeting in the morning." then you counter with "I am so sorry, here I got you this (present goodwill gesture)"
Once the matter has been addressed and apologized for, let it drop and talk about the fantastic movie you just saw (or some other line of conversation)
2007-04-22 17:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by LX V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't put the burden on her. She did not make herself clear. Besides, she didn't say anything, and why couldn't she go to bed herself instead of waiting with you all? What I'd do is write a thank you note. Tell her you had a wonderful time seeing them and her generosity was wonderful. Don't apologize for overstaying or she'll probably feel guilty and that would further wreck a friendship. Mention in the note that you had such a good time you didn't realize the time and YOU had a late night too. (Make it sound lighthearted.) But you hope her husband is in better spirits and say something along the lines of inviting them over soon for cards, games, blah blah whatever. That way you can return her generosity.
Just my thoughts.
2007-04-22 15:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can just say that you didn't mean to inconvenience her and you hope that she can forgive you. Say just what you said in your question: "I could have been more aware of your feelings." And in the future, make plans to go see them, setting aside a certain amont of agreed upon time.
Send a thank you card. Thank them for being so gracious in allowing you to stay so long. You can say something like, "I appreciate you welcoming us into your home." You might want to send a small gift as a token of your appreciation, like a candle or something else for the home.
If that doesn't work for you, you can always return the favor and invite them over to your house, without mentioning the snafu. It sounds like these are good friends of yours. If you mentioned the misunderstanding, it might create a problem when one never really existed.
2007-04-22 18:06:33 · answer #4 · answered by monica_dietz@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call her and say "Boy, that sure ended up being a late night! We got caught up in conversation and I feel like maybe we stayed a bit too long" and see what her reaction is. If it was no big deal, you'll be able to tell by her reaction. If it seems like it was a big deal, then offer a sincere apology "Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't realize that we were keeping you from getting to bed".
If she's a good friend, that should be enough and she should shrug it off.
Good luck!
2007-04-22 15:54:26 · answer #5 · answered by Brett Michael 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Graciously leave..I would apologise to her and just say the truth.. You felt that her husband was wanting you to stay, and you didn't take into condiseration that she wanted to go to bed.. The truth usually works better than anything..
2007-04-22 15:52:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since she is your friend, call her and tell her that you are sorry you stayed so long. Being friends, I would tell her that if it happens again to let you know and you will SKEEDADDLE. At least you didn't pull a DuPree and stay for days!!!
2007-04-22 15:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by chelebeee 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just be honest and tell her that you were enjoying your visit and lost track of time. Tell her that you will be more thoughtful in the future.
2007-04-22 15:55:45 · answer #8 · answered by patzj1 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If she hasn't mentioned it, then there is no need for apology. Just don't do it again.
2007-04-22 16:59:31 · answer #9 · answered by Sherry K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i suggest you dont say anything just beware next time to leave at reasonable time.
2007-04-22 18:16:12 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋