Miss Manners: Her joke about dodging the check turned out not so funny
Briefly

The article discusses the complexities of hosting a long-term guest, particularly regarding expectations of contribution. Despite the guest expressing enjoyment in staying with friends, the author felt their friend's behavior was inconsiderate, as she did not bring personal items or share costs during the stay. Miss Manners affirms that while generous hospitality is commendable, longer-term guests should also actively participate in expenses and efforts. The nuances of hosting can challenge traditional etiquette norms, suggesting guests should balance their presence with some reciprocity.
Miss Manners emphasizes that a long-term guest should contribute more, and it's clear your friend did not meet this expectation during her visit.
The expectation of guests to pitch in varies, but in a long stay, being a considerate guest would involve some form of sharing expenses or efforts.
Your friend's joke about the check suggests an awareness of the dynamics in place, indicating that she recognized the situation but chose not to act accordingly.
Ultimately, hosting should feel mutual, where both parties contribute to the experience, otherwise it can lead to resentment for unbalanced generosity.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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