DEAR HARRIETTE: I invited a few people over to my house for a post-New Year's get-together. My guests were having a great time mingling while they danced the night away, but there was one gentleman who got on my nerves because he was constantly taking pictures of my possessions. I asked him if he would not take any pictures without my permission, but he continued. I got angry and asked him to leave my house. To my surprise, my guests became upset at me because I kicked a guest out of the party. I think I could have handled this situation better. What are your thoughts? -- Not a Good Host, New York City
DEAR NOT A GOOD HOST: This was clearly an awkward situation, and you were right to be concerned about someone photographing your possessions. More effective than asking him to leave your home would have been seizing his camera. If your concern truly is about where those photos might end up, your priority should have been to confiscate the camera or SD card holding the images. You could have done this privately so that other guests would not witness the confrontation.
The role of a host is to do your best to make your guests comfortable. This is why it's best for them not to see any conflicts, if that is possible. At the same time, you have the right to protect your privacy and your property.