Next week I'll be having some of my in-laws over to stay for a few days. I wouldn't say that my in-laws and I are besties and are super close. I don't have the same bond with them that I do with my own family, but there aren't any major issues and we do get on.
The problem is that whenever they come over they behave very carelessly and I find myself seething. For example, they leave a mountain of washing up and never offer to help (it would be different if we had a dishwasher but we don't!) they eat us out of house and home, and never ask if anyone wants the last of anything, they just gobble it up! I've taken to packing up my Emma Bridgewater bits and pieces because they've broken some of my china in the past and not even apologized. And they really go town with the drinks cabinet, and other luxuries like chocolate, perfume and expensive bath oil. So I've taken to packing up stuff like that before they arrive.
I know it sounds very bad and like I'm an awful human being. And to be honest I do feel that way. But in the beginning I was more than happy to leave these things out and actually encouraged them to help themselves and make themselves feel at home, and YES, I DID mean it! The problem is that they go through these things that there's no tomorrow without a thought for my husband or myself. Furthermore a lot of these things are gifts which are greatly appreciated, but yet they're finished or broken before I can have a chance to properly enjoy them. And yet when we go over to theirs, the hospitality that we've shown them is never reciprocated although they are nice enough. I feel that putting things away while their here is the only way I can not feel resentful later. But I still feel so guilty and selfish. It's a very trivial problem but I always feel so on edge when they're here. What would be an appropriate solution?
Guys thank you for your responses and I'm sorry that I'm late with this. To be honest it were a complete and utter disaster! I will fill everyone in on it when I've a bit more time! Buy thanks for your advice, everyone. x