'My greedy friends eat more and expect us to fund them every time – it's draining'

A woman shared she felt 'exhausted' and 'used' by her friends who come and visit her once a year - but she suspected it was because she paid for most things and lived in a touristy spot

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Going to visit your friends who you don't live near is really fun, and because you don't see them often, it's a real cause for celebration . One woman explained she has "friends who come and stay once a year", and over the occasions, they've gradually offered less and less when they come around - despite the fact they consume so much more than she and her partner . She was finding their company more and more "draining" over the years, however, because they "expect breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening meal," and they "both eat a lot".

The woman took to Mumsnet's 'Am I Being Unreasonable' forum to explain everything. She penned: "We have friends who come and stay once a year. They both eat a lot (much more than we do) and expect breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening meals.



They like a drink. This last visit (they stayed 3 nights), we got through 8 bottles of wine, 6 beers, plus G&Ts - most of that was consumed by them." Not only that, but they expect to be driven "everywhere" and "never offer to use their car" - despite the fact they drive when they stay with them to get to their house.

The woman fumed: "Over the years, they bring less with them - they used to arrive with wine, chocolates, flowers - this time, they brought one bottle of wine." And she didn't think it was acceptable considering they were funding most of their friends' visit. "They have always paid for an evening meal at a pub on one of the days, but we end up paying for coffees/lunch out - they never offer but just say 'we're taking you out for a meal' as if that justifies us paying for everything else," she seethed, also pointing out: "They both have good jobs and earn more than us.

" She shared the visit costs them a "small fortune" thanks to the greedy pals, and afterwards, they feel "exhausted". "We have never stayed with them - they've never invited us", she penned, saying she feels "used" as she lives in a "popular tourist destination", so she thinks her friends view the visit as "a little holiday". "They've only just left, and I'm already dreading getting the message asking when they can come next year.

What would you do?" she asked. In the comments, many offered advice. One wrote: "Just say it doesn't work for you.

Do you have any contact with them outside of these visits?" Another fumed: "Honestly, I think it is bloody cheeky and something people who love in tourist areas with a spare room always struggle with. You could reply to them next year, 'Actually, we fancy a change this year for our annual get-together, we'll come to you this time, let us know a convenient date' and see what happens. But do you actually want to see them?" Someone else echoed that sentiment, writing: "Say you'd love to come to them next time.

You can't really have people to visit, provide all of that and complain about it. Either do it in a way you are happy with, or don't do it. Buy less wine, pay for yourself for coffee, but don't begrudge driving in your area or giving them breakfast and lunch.

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