What does the lounge or kitchen say about your visit?

Today's post isn't world changing, but I believe it is certainly true.

A few weeks ago I heard a conversation between two people who make a number of pastoral visits.

They mentioned that there was a significant difference between where someone meets you in their home.

The normal location is the lounge room.

The lounge is comfortable.
The lounge is usually tidied before an expected guest arrives and has more family knick-knacks on display.
When visitors are given a drink, the host leaves the room to make and bring you the beverage.
The lounge is "the showroom" of the visit.
The lounge is where you formally receive visitors to your home.

On the other hand, the kitchen is a different animal. 

The kitchen is less comfortable.
The kitchen is prone to be more messy.
The kitchen is a place for preparation.
The kitchen is "behind the scenes" of the visit.
The kitchen is more intimate. It is a place of trust.

The conversation between these two pastoral workers ended with this insight... the place you are welcomed into a person's home will send a significant message. It will, in an often unspoken way, tell the level of comfort that exists between the two of you.