Q.
We just bought a house, and my father-in-law is helping us fix it up. I love his help...but now he comes over every weekend to start a new project. How do I get him to come by a little less frequently?
A.
It's obvious his heart is in the right place. To him, your situation is the perfect storm: You guys bought a fixer + he knows how to fix it = yay! In short, he's just excited. So handle it gently. Try proclaiming that one weekend a month is now "staycation weekend." Let your father-in-law know (in advance) that you and his son plan on completing zero house projects and will instead be soaking up some quality time. This way, he'll get the hint (and no hurt feelings). Still seeing too much of him? Have two staycations a month.
Jan 19, 2011