Anxious Annie

[Karen77]

I've been hosting a year and some, and so far my guests have been really chill.  I've got someone coming this week who has seemed overly anxious from the beginning.  I've tried to be respectful, reassuring, and nonreactive but wonder if anyone has some tips for when she lands.  This is her first experience and I'd like it to be a good one.  But I also want to be mentally prepared for what might be a challenging guest.  

[Annette33]

Hard to tell from your impression what this person will really be like. I take it that she might be lonely and needs attention. has she been offensive in any which way, or just insecure? the "non reactive" might be the way to go: friendly welcome, but then pretty much leave her alone, don't engage. Sharing your living room, etc.. might invite her to keep you occupied with questions, more questions, needing reassurance, etc... also depends a lot on how long she will stay? Good luck, you seem to be the perfect host for her first experience! 

[Karen77]

I like your approach.  I think I'll be warm of welcome and then give her space.  (That will be a gift I give myself!)

[Kim-and-Jen0]

Hi Karen,

I had an anxious guest last month. Before her arrival, I message her asked if she knows the direction to our place, what she wants to do in town and give her advices/tips about the town and activities. With some ideas about the city, place they are visiting and maybe tell about yourself a little bit will make her more calm. Some travelers are worry about the new place they never visited or staying at stranger's house. Upon arrival just be calm and tell them you can be reach when they need help. Good luck! 🙂

[Karen77]

Great thoughts,thank you!!  

[Sandra126]

Lots of guests are anxious before arriving. They might have read and seen horror stories ''the place was nothing like advertised'' or whatever. Or they are just anxious in general and get better as they are with you. I agree, you would be an excellent choice for a novice guest.

[Karen77]

Thank you @Sandra126.    This woman's anxiety goes beyond the typical.  I have spoken with her at length and sense this is an issue she lives with.  I will do my best!

[Andrea9]

@Karen77

I haven't had anybody like that except one woman who had me confused with a public transport info device (and for going beyond what I do for most I got a 4-star rating.....). 

Depending on what it is exactly that they would constantly ask I'd probably turn the questions back, like asking "well, have you ever travelled before and what did you do then to prepare yourself for the area?" / " have you done any research on what you would like to do here?" 

I'm obviously not being much help...

Keep us posted please!

[Jiw0]

Well, if anything guests can be completely different in person than the way they appear in messaging. 

I'm noticing this especially with some older people who write really intense, formal messages.  But then when meeting them they turn out the most laid back people ever.   (Aaaaaaand, the other way around. 🙂   Then it's often younger people who write very chatty messages, but then they suddenly find themselves actually here in Thailand and then they're more tense in person.. )

Especially if it's her first AirBnB stay then it's okay to hold her hand a bit, in a positive, easy-going manner.  (But you sound like you'd do that already).

Another thing I'm noticing is that if I'm hosting a couple, there is often one really easy-going person, with the other one being a lot more intense about details.   Can be either the husband or the wife, but it's almost funny how couples are so often very different in personality.  (And I suppose the same applies to me and the Mrs.. 🙂 )