Handling a situation where a friend comes over for dinner uninvited can be delicate, as you want to balance being polite and maintaining boundaries. Here are some steps you can consider:
Stay Calm and Composed: It's natural to feel surprised or uncomfortable when someone shows up unannounced, but try to remain calm and composed.
Greet Them Politely: Welcome your friend and be friendly, even if you didn't expect their visit.
Ask About Their Visit: In a non-confrontational manner, inquire about the reason for their unexpected visit. For example, you could say, "Oh, it's great to see you! What brings you over tonight?"
Assess Your Plans: Consider your dinner plans and the amount of food you have. If you have enough to accommodate an extra person and are comfortable with it, you can extend the invitation for dinner.
Set Boundaries (if necessary): If you had other plans or are not prepared to host an additional person, politely express that you weren't expecting guests for dinner. You can say something like, "I'm sorry, I didn't plan for guests tonight. Can we catch up another time?"
Offer an Alternative: Suggest meeting up another time, like going out for coffee or a meal at a restaurant if you still want to spend time together.
Communicate Kindly: It's essential to communicate your boundaries kindly but firmly. Avoid being confrontational or rude, as it might strain the friendship.
Clarify Future Plans: If you feel like this situation might arise again, you can discuss how you both prefer to handle unexpected visits in the future. This conversation will help set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Remember, friendships thrive on open communication and understanding. By addressing the situation politely and honestly, you can preserve your boundaries while still maintaining a positive relationship with your friend.