Thursday, December 29, 2011

Three Day Rule

My friend has a theory about staying with family. The first day is golden and everyone is delighted to see you. The second day your family starts treating you like a child. The third day you start acting like one.

At my Sixties party in Ohope Beach: Pietra, Mum, Sharon and me



Forewarned is forearmed and I'm making absolutely sure this doesn't happen during our stay with family in New Zealand. No siree.

Of course after the euphoria of the first day and as the eldest sister I felt it my duty to give them the benefit of my hard-won wisdom. Be selfish not to, really. To Sharon I've kindly and subtly dropped a few parenting tips: "You know, you might want to..." My sister Pietra now knows my views on the correct arch of eyebrow, bronzing creams and blush. Plus best wall colours for their homes, lovely ways to cook fish and how they could help New Zealand get back on track as the surprise superpower in Oceania.
 
First Day: Me, Pietra and Sharon in Auckland
It's been a tiny bit hurtful to witness their reactions; either snorting, rolling their eyes or, even more stunningly, simply ignoring me. Last night Sharon didn't even lower her magazine when I offered her some advice about her career. (She's a business journalist for radio, but I just wonder if she should have followed her passions as a ballerina. Still time.)

Plus they keep sitting too close to me on my side of the couch.

Okay I've had enough: "You bloody stink bums - get outta here!!!  I'm telling Muuuum!"


19 comments:

  1. I am sure you are having a fab time !! Love the party outfits! Hope you have a great New Years Eve:)
    ~Anne

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  2. The oufits are brill and hope you have a whale of a time in NZ three day rule or not! (Sometimes it's nice to revert to childhood - No more cleaning up!)

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  3. OHHHH so true! My sisters and I always resort to "telling mom" after a few days together!

    (By the way---- I think your advice is excellent!)

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  4. My mum always quotes a Spanish proverb "guests are like fish: after 3 days, both stink"!

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  5. Ha! I've never heard the 3-day rule but when I think back on family trips it certainly holds up.

    Jenn
    The Suburb Experiment

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  6. I've heard of the three day rule too. In my version it says visitors are like fish: they go off after three days.

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  7. Oh yes, the 3-day rule. I broke it with avengence by staying for 9 days at my mum's. She was sad to see us go though...

    Certainly looks like you're having fun together!

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  8. LOve that first day...everybody is happy and hugging and great fun.....at day 3? yep time to go home. Ohope beach looks amazing....def on my list of places to go to at some time....and you all look great in your 60's gear.

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  9. Those photos are hilarious! How true about the time spent with family - my father would definitely agree with that assessment when he spends time with his siblings.

    I hope you and your family have a very Happy New Year!

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  10. LOL but it looks like you are all having fun!

    I don't know if I could last 3 days with my family. My parent's came for Christmas and after 24 hours of togetherness I told them the B&B is closed!

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  11. What fun! I love Pietra's kaftan. And your poses are priceless!

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  12. That sixties party looks so fun!
    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! May you have a very happy new year!!

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  13. Over at mine, we've managed to condense the three day rule into a three hour one.
    Belated wishes for a happy new year with many bloggy updates!

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  14. if you come to the Mount come and have a cup of tea with me 021863866 x

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  15. Hahah, that theory is so true! Looks like you had fun according to the pictures though!

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  16. Genius. Your writing is just pure genius. =)

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  17. p.s. and that rule??

    totally true.

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