Home

I've always been careful with who I spend my time with, what information I share and whom I trust; having had experiences with people taking advantage, breaking trust and disseminating private information around the place has caused this to some degree, although I've always maintained a high level of privacy regardless. It's a habit I guess.

This ethos has extended to all aspects of my life including my personal space, my home, and I've tended to be very selective with who I allow there.

A person's home is a sacred thing. Not only is it somewhere to retreat and reside in comfortable and familiar surroundings, it's an expression of oneself, a place where one gathers the elements of life, physical and emotional, in one place and presents it in a way that brings pleasure and a sense of peace. That could be through the décor, furnishings and accessories to the items one collects through life like art, ornaments, trinkets, photographs and so on. A person's home is unique to them and is a special and sacred place; mine is for sure.

I'm very selective when it comes to allowing people into my house and, if I'm honest about it, that rarely happens. I guess I feel more inclined to make it a place for myself and those around me I am closest to.

I have a BBQ now and then however, with a small group of people I've known for many years, but that's about it. But of course, as life unfolds, new people come along and as I come to feel more comfortable with them I may invite them to my home; usually though, I don't. It's easier for me that way, emotionally, and it also works well for my cat Cleo, who doesn't like anyone but those who live in my home; strangers send her running to hide and I don't think that's fair on her.

I recently had dinner with a couple I've known for over twelve years, we went to an Asian restaurant, and we were talking about this situation.

They've never been to my house and it came as a shock to them that I invited them over for a BBQ in a few weeks.

We were talking about the private nature of a person's home and how, by inviting someone in, the sacredness of it is diminished somewhat' maybe shared is a better term? That's how I feel anyway, sort of like the energy I've created is a little washed out, or diluted. The couple don't necessarily feel the same with their own home, they are very social people, but they understand how I feel and respect it which was really nice to hear. Their thought on the matter was that they're "friends with me, not my house, and they don't care where time spent with me occurs, only that it occurs." What a nice thing to say huh?

I have a nice home; it's sizeable, well-appointed and presented, comfortable, neat and tidy and accommodating of any and all things I wish to do there. I like it.

I don't feel the need to create a place to impress others, they just don't matter, but I strive to create a place where I feel safe and comfortable, but...without me and the others who reside in the home, it's just a house. I know I can create that feeling, the feeling that I'm home, no matter where I go, and I know I'll protect that place, the physical and emotional home, with all I have...and that means I also preserve the sacredness of the space in which I call home. For me, it's ok to feel a little reluctant to share my space with others; I don't feel I'm being rude, elitist or selfish. It's mine, I worked hard for it, to create it and to fill it with all the treasures it holds; the memories of my life.

Do you folks feel the same way about your home or do you have a more open-door policy? I know some whose homes are like 24-hour drop-in-centres for friends and family, and I'm fortunate to have access to them, but I can't imagine that scenario at my own home - It would drive me bonkers, and not in a good way. What's your policy on visitors and guests and have you expended effort to create a peaceful and comfortable place around yourself to call home? Feel free to comment below and let me know what's up.