We had a rental house inspection, and my flatmate is over the hill. So, the inspection was super important to him, and I knew it. He cleaned the flat three times over. I just cleaned my room because I’m not retired and he had it all under control.

The agent set a window from 9am to 12pm. He was ready at 9am, and so was I. By about 11am I decided to get on with my day, so I made an important phone call.

He burst into my room to tell me they had arrived. But I needed my laptop to finish the call, so I sat there. When the agent came I waved meaning to welcome her in. She disappeared back down the hall.

Then she left. I thought it must have gone really well because she didn’t even come in my room much.

He came back an hour later and burst into my room accusing me of ruining the inspection by not leaving the room. The agent had thought I was telling her to stop by waving at her.

I hadn’t thought about what it would look like walking into a stranger’s house, and he’s sitting on the edge of his bed. I just assumed the invitation was well and truly open to go around the whole flat.