By Wednesday, I started leaving polite signs around the house after cleaning: “Housekeeping in Progress! Do Not Disturb!” I placed one on the bathroom mirror after wiping it down and another near the kitchen sink. Linda looked puzzled but didn’t say much.
Thursday evening, instead of cooking dinner, I left a curated stack of takeout menus in her room. When she asked what was for dinner, I told her guests should have a variety of options to choose from.
Then, on Sunday morning, I placed a lighthearted “invoice” on her dresser. It included fictional charges for housekeeping, laundry, and “hospitality services.” It was meant as a playful nudge, not an actual request for payment.
Later that day, Linda brought the paper to the kitchen, clearly flustered. I explained it was all in good humor, just embracing the “guest experience” she had been asking for. She seemed taken aback, but not angry—just thoughtful.
After some discussion with Jason, Linda decided it was time to find a space of her own. And by the end of the week, she had made arrangements to stay with a friend.
Peace returned to our home. The dishes stayed clean, the WiFi stayed on, and I finally enjoyed a full cup of coffee in my favorite mug without interruption. Even Jason eventually admitted, “Okay… maybe you handled that better than I thought.”
Sometimes, a little creativity—and kindness with a twist—goes a long way. Linda may not have lifted a finger, but in the end, she gracefully lifted herself right out of our guest room.