How do you handle this?

[Leslie]

A person asked me three times (in e-mail): "When can we get together?"  and I  never responded.  Said person shows up at my door Sunday!
So being polite, offer ice tea, visit an hour, and then, "sorry to give you the heave-ho, but we're going to get supper together."
NOW another e-mail "When can we get together?"
I mean, some people are so dense light bends around them.
What would you do?  This person is like one of those little sticky burrs.  Irritating, but harmless, so  I can't really justify "Stay outta my world, creep."

[Sandishooligans]

Gee whiz, Leslie, the next time you want me to just leave, say so.  I can take a hint.   
Good grief!  Is this a pesky relative?  Acquaintance?  Bum off the street seeking shelter...LOL?  Seriously, what nerve.  Garsh, this is a sticky situation.  Maybe if the critter gets inside the door the next time....hoping there ain't a next time...you could strongly hint that the next time you get together, that it be by APPOINTMENT only.  Good luck!

[April]

Well, for one I wouldn't have let them in when they showed up at the door.  I'd have left the house if need be, but I wouldn't have let them in.  (Something along the lines of "I was just heading out to go grocery shopping." or something like that would probably work.  I can almost always get somethign from the grocery store too so it wouldn't be a lie either.)  I would just email them back and let them know you can't get together with them.  If it's because you don't have time to fool with their silliness (I know you said they were harmless but irritating.)  then tell them that.  Let them know that you have a lot of things going on right now and really just don't have time for a visit.  Most of us do have very busy lives and hectic schedules so it's understandable to most.  Most of the time I can't turn around without checking a clock or calendar!

[Rich]

When can we get together?  Answer: "We can't". 
Now that you know the answer, how to phrase it so it won't offend. (This may reach the point where you don't care if you offend, but for now let's be nice.)

The most polite alternative:
"Gosh, Clueless, I'm so completely booked up for the next 6 months that I don't really have any idea. Why don't I email you when I know."

The alternative with justification:
"Really, DayOldFish, since John came down with flesh eating bacteria (substitute the repulsive ailment of your choice) we haven't had a lot of time, I'll have to get back to you."

The scarey alternative:
"You know, Thickskull, right now we're all involved with instruction in Krishna Conciousness (insert name of favorite cult) but when we're done, I'll be glad to have you over to tell you all about it."

[doxielady5569128]

   Rich!!  Your response was hilarious!!!!  I love the names you used to identify the person.   LOL   Those were great solutions though!   

Leslie- Let me tell I have the same problem right now.   And it involves a person that shamelessly hits on my husband EVERY time she sees us!    Anyway...I wish I could offer advice, but as I said...I have the same problem so obviously my advice doesn't work. lol   I think Rich's advice would work great. His suggested responses are certainly worthy of chasing someone off for the long term. Good luck with your "pest"

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

ROTFL. After reading Rich's suggestions I can't even think! LOL.

That is a tough spot to be in though. This year I have had to turn down several people who wanted to come visit....and those were people I really wanted to see and it was a legit. excuse! I just can't take off any days right now we are so swamped and took on way more than we can handle work wise. But if it were someone like your friend there, I think if they just showed up I would say oh shoot we are just on our way out....if you do this enough times "maybe" the hint will be taken?