Dear Queenie,
We have some friends who run a motel in New Jersey [in the United States – Ed.]. When they came to visit us a couple years ago they stayed with us. But when we went to the States to visit them last year they put us in a room at the motel and then charged us for it, even though they had other empty rooms to rent out. It’s not as if they lost business because we were there.
Now they are planning to visit us again and expect to stay with us.
Queenie, do you think this is right?—Feeling used
Dear Feeling used,
Of course it is not right, and you have every reason to feel used.
Tell your “friends” that it is not convenient for you to play host at this time (or any time, but do not say that in so many words) and that you will make a reservation for them at a local hotel or guesthouse.
