Good Cop, Bad Cop: How Innkeeping Couples Use Humor to Set Boundaries and Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Good Cop, Bad Cop: How Innkeeping Couples Use Humor to Set Boundaries and Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Innkeeping couples who work together and live onsite understand the importance of establishing clear boundaries with their guests. However, communicating these boundaries doesn't have to be a serious or stern affair. In fact, some innkeeper couples use humor to convey their message about respecting their off time.


For example, when guests check-in, a humorous "bad cop" innkeeper may say something like, "Welcome to our lovely inn! I'm the 'bad cop' of the duo, so I'm here to make sure everyone follows the rules. But don't worry, my partner in crime is the 'good cop', and he's the friendly one who will make sure you have a great stay!"


The innkeeper may then go on to explain that they have set work hours and off hours, and that guests must respect their off time unless it's an emergency. However, they may deliver this message with a touch of humor, saying something like, "We do need our beauty sleep, so unless the building is on fire, we kindly ask that you wait until morning to ask us about the nearest coffee shop."


Using humor can help to convey the message about respecting boundaries in a lighthearted way. It can also help to put guests at ease and create a positive atmosphere.


Another innkeeping couple who use humor to convey their message about respecting boundaries is David and Sarah. When guests check-in, Sarah, the "bad cop", may say something like, "I'm the one who makes sure everyone follows the rules, but don't worry, I only bite when provoked." David, the "good cop", may then chime in with a joke about how he's just there to make pancakes and pour coffee.


Sarah may then go on to explain that they have set work hours and off hours, and that guests must respect their off time unless it's an emergency. However, she may deliver this message with a touch of humor, saying something like, "We love our guests, but we also love our Netflix binges. So, please, only interrupt us in case of a zombie apocalypse."


By using humor to convey their message about respecting boundaries, David and Sarah are able to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for their guests while also setting clear expectations about their off time.


Innkeeping couples who work together and live onsite can effectively convey their message about respecting boundaries with a touch of humor. By using humor to communicate this important message, they can put guests at ease and create a positive and lighthearted atmosphere. So, next time you check into an inn and hear a humorous "good cop, bad cop" routine, don't be afraid to chuckle and respect those off hours!

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