A few small reminders to a perfectionist self when feeling anxious about the impending arrival of friends who have never before visited your house but are coming by tonight:
- This house is old… very, very old. It will never be perfect, and you know that you like it that way, so embrace it!
- No, all the pictures still haven’t been hung, nor has all the furniture been purchased, nor have all the books been shelved (because we need more shelves). Like life, this home is a work in progress.
- You probably wouldn’t want to eat off the floor, but the place is clean enough. (And who wants to eat off the floor, anyway? Sheesh.)
- You have three very furry, fluffy, active cats. There will be cat hair! But they are lovely creatures, so it’s a small price to pay.
- You might not live in the very most desirable neighbourhood in town, but you like it here, so quit apologizing for it.
- Stop comparing yourself to your mom, to your friends, to other party hosts. You are you, and this party is yours, and it will be fine.
- These people are your friends. They’re not coming over to judge your house, or your hostessing abilities, or your cooking skills… and if they are, well, let them! You love your house, you love your friends, and you prepared for the evening with love… so it’s all good.
- What’s really the most important, above all, is that people feel welcome. The rest is gravy.
- This is supposed to be fun! Quit worrying about making everything perfect and start enjoying yourself already.
Learn it. Know it. Live it.
