FAMILY FEUD
Woman fuming after friend invites her family on their holiday without asking
Some people called her ungrateful
A WOMAN has sparked debate online after booking a holiday with her friend - only to find out that her friend's family will be going as well.
The holidaymaker was hoping for a nice trip away with her friend, who had kindly said the pair could use a family holiday home abroad.
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However, the woman was upset to learn that it would not just be the two of them going on the trip and that several of her friend's family members will also be there.
The woman said she probably wouldn't have gone on the trip had she known in advance, but also that she felt a little bit ungrateful to be annoyed about the change in circumstances, seeing as she is still getting free accommodation.
She reached out to others on parenting forum Mumsnet, to ask if other people thought she was being unreasonable.
She wrote: "I'm off on holiday with a friend I have known for a few years for a 5 night trip.
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"She has a family home abroad that she has invited me to, so I just had to book flights.
"I am an introvert and have been going through a bit lately with work and was really looking forward to getting away and recharging with just her.
"She has just sprung it upon me a week before we leave that now her sister and her sister's boyfriend and their newborn baby will now also be joining us and 'the baby is so perfect, you will love him and it's going to be so much fun all together!'
"I feel like I have no say in the matter as I am staying in her accommodation but if I knew this had been the situation I probably wouldn't have agreed to the holiday and spent money on flights.
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"I'm sure we will be doing stuff 'just us' but it's just a total change of vibe of holiday that I wasn't expecting and it's making me feel a bit anxious.
"Or am I being an ungrateful b**** who should just be appreciative of free holiday accommodation?"
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The woman's post sparked a number of replies, with several people saying that she was being unappreciative.
One wrote: "This is just plain ungrateful. If you're staying for free at a friend's home, you fit in with what they want to do, surely?
Another wrote: "It's her place, she can invite who she wants. Why do self-proclaimed 'introverts' always expect everyone else to dance to their tune?"
Others however were on the woman's side and suggested she back out of the trip as soon as possible.
One wrote: "I wouldn’t want to go anywhere with someone’s newborn."
A second added: "Had a similar experience years ago. Agreed to join a friend within a larger group who all played a sport together.
"Friend later decided to bring her young adult daughter who was a bit of a pain. Hadn't met her before.
"Changed the whole dynamic for me. Wish I'd listened to my gut and cancelled."
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Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids
IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board.
Plan Ahead:
- Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities.
- Research kid-friendly attractions and activities.
- Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children’s schedules.
Pack Smart:
- Create a packing checklist to ensure you don't forget essentials.
- Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained.
- Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on.
Travel Comfort:
- Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey.
- Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones.
- Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep.
Stay Organized:
- Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted.
- Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder.
- Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation.
Engage and Entertain:
- Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals.
- Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums.
- Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged.
Maintain Routine:
- Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible.
- Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals.
- Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation.
Stay Flexible:
- Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children’s needs and moods.
- Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments.
- Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip.
These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories!
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