My dad’s side of the family is/was (most of them are now gone) very political and they loved to argue, mostly for the sake of arguing. For them it was “quality family time”. But for some of us it got very old (especially those of us who were public employees) and it really started to put a damper on family events. One uncle in particular, great guy that he was, was especially vocal and conservative. My wife and I would host all my dad’s siblings for dad’s birthday party every year after my mother died and after the first one was loudly dominated by the zealots on both sides of the political spectrum within the family, I started posting a set of rules at the front door for every party after that. The first rule was that discussion was welcome but politics and religion were to be left at the front door. And if they could not follow the rules they would be asked to leave. A few had a hard time taking me seriously but the majority laughed and wondered why no one had thought of that solution before. Every party from then on, a good time was had by all and never an angry word was said or heard by anyone. I guess my point is......set some ground rules, make sure expectations (and priorities) are clear and then hold guests accountable. If they don’t like it, then that is THEIR problem, not yours. Family events are supposed to be enjoyable for everyone, not an arena for the self righteous to make asses of one’s selves or to ruin everyone else’s good time......
I did exactly the same thing when I got my first place. Except these rules applied to every day. I wanted a stress free environment where I could relax and enjoy life. So, I too posted my rules. My house, my rules. Nearly everyone complied and I asked those to leave who would not comply. Soon enough my friends and family knew I was not joking. It was liberating.
Me? I bought a cabin deep in the woods. Chop wood for cooking fuel and heat. Carry water from the well for drinking, cooking and homemade beer making. Can't lug enough for bathing. This is an additional factor in keeping people away. It's a little complicated when I get sick or break a bone. I do a lot of reading by the light of the fire, reading tea leaves that is. Being out of touch with civilization means no reading matter. I go to the general store 25 miles away to get something to read once a month and that's when I get my monthly bath.Gotta stay sharp for the babes.
