A general vent. I am about emotionally labored out.
This past weekend was my birthday. I have a day job which is stressful but I took the week off to travel to our New Orleans place/stay at our ABB after work was completed. I have an online business selling antique fine jewelry as a hobby (pretty well established at this point) and we have the cottage/deal with guests as all of you do too.
Online jewelry business had a message up that I would not be as responsive as I was traveling, and shipping would be delayed until a certain day. OF COURSE I had someone with a complete meltdown. She bought a relatively expensive 100 year old piece without reading the description. Then she proceeded to message me 5-10 times a day with various questions and concerns about the item-- things that were either fully disclosed in the description she didn't read, or imaginary issues she thought she could see from poring over the pictures and video. I finally canceled the sale and refunded her money with a polite message, knowing that this was likely to end up with even more drama, and frankly not wanting to ruin my free time answering her copious bizarre questions. She thanked me at first, but then spent the next several days sending me rambling messages at 3am her time that I "stole" the item from her, that she had "financed it and you knew that! I won't get my money back for WEEKS" (I have no control whatsoever over this) and that I "ruined her life." Oy. Asked her not to contact me again, sent her to spam where she likely continues these diatribes.
Over the weekend when I was celebrating with family I had an inquiry for booking dates at our cottage which are not available; booked to someone else ages ago. The guest sent the following:
"Hi- I see you have X dates blocked and I am wondering if you would be open to asking those individuals if they would trade with me. I have an event I forgot about in the area and can't find a place to stay. I am willing to pay them double for the inconvenience. Can you share their contact info? Thank you!"
I explained nicely that I can't give out guest info (especially to someone who seems to have just joined ABB and does not have a fully filled in profile) and wished them luck finding something else in the area. I even went so far as to search and locate a few other hosts who had opening for their days. They responded:
"I don't think you understood me. I want to stay at your cottage on those days. Make it happen. As I said I am happy to pay double."
Again, this is a much needed vacation week for me. I don't have time for this nonsense. So I just said "I am sorry I can't help with this. I wish you luck finding something else." To which this person said "Thanks for nothing. This ruins my entire month."
What on earth has happened to people? I am so burnt out with them. And apparently ruining their lives left and right!
