'If you don't like your family... why are you living next door?': Dog owner refuses to see relatives who drove 10 hours for family visit to avoid "boring small talk"

Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor

Oct 29, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

Last minute plans don't work out for everybody — some people have super busy lives, and they're going to need a few day's heads up before seeing someone.

Other people thrive on last-minute plans. They're happy to drop what they're doing and go hang out somewhere. Still, it's nice to have some warning so you can organize your schedule. This person is a bit irritated that their family members keep springing surprise visits on them, and it seems like the guilt is eating at them. They live right next door to their parents, so right away, that might be an issue in the long term. They then share that at the end of a long work day, they just want to hang out with their dogs, not talk to some long-lost aunt and uncle who have driven into town to see their parents.

However, some commenters chided them for the ways they've been avoiding their family members. They're lying about it, but then they're also taking their dog outside to play in the yard, so these far-away relatives might get hurt feelings after knowing this person is lying.

I don't think they're wrong for wanting some space, but maybe there's room for compromise. It couldn't hurt to say something like, "Oh, I only have 5 minutes before I have to take an important phone call, but it's nice to see you, Aunt and Uncle." That kind of white lie works for both parties! This person can say hello, then head off to do their own thing. They're also telling their parents that if they'd had more notice, they could've stayed longer, but oh well! Regardless of what they choose to do, it's their life, and they only have one lifetime to spend doing things they love. Whether they're spending time with family or with their dogs, they should do what will make for the best memories and the most happiness possible. Just because someone is family, doesn't make them obligated to have a ton of your time: some distant relatives can just stay distant.

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