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Do you think you have what it takes to get invited back as a house guest time and time again?
Perhaps you do — but if you’re one of those people who does nothing but complain all day, eats all the food in the fridge or feels the need to help yourself to the host’s liquor cabinet without leaving a thank you note, you’re breaking the non-negotiable rules of house guest etiquette. Nothing ruins relationships quicker (yes, even family) than being horrible house company.
It doesn’t take much to fall into the “good house guest” category: If you don’t want to be that person who never receives another invite to sleepover, follow these 10 tips for consideration and gratitude.
1. Arrive with a GiftCharm extends beyond just simply smiling while saying please and thank you. The gift does not by any means have to be something lavish or expensive, just thoughtful. Think about it: Your hosts went out of their way to accommodate you in their home and the least you can do is show a little gratitude. Bring them a nice bottle wine, a pair of movie tickets or something from your hometown, like a souvenir. You may even opt to present them with something they can showcase in the guest room for future overnight guests to enjoy.
2. Buy Your Own GroceriesYour host may stock the fridge with the types of beverages and snacks you enjoy before your arrival, but if you’re planning on staying more than a few days, you should be courteous enough to buy your own groceries, especially if you’re a picky eater. You don’t want to come off as a complete mooch, do you? The host will appreciate your gesture.
3. Ask About House RulesThere will always be rules. Some people have outlandish rules that you may never have guessed. As a guest, you’ll probably want to make sure that you don’t burn the place down. But it’s also important to note that your host may want you to take off your shoes before entering the house or avoid talking about religion and politics at the dinner table. If they provide you with a key, check to see if you should lock the door when you leave.
Most people have certain ways they like doing things, so it’s best to ask before you step on any toes. This will make your life a whole lot easier. Just make sure to hold up your end of the bargain.
4. Roll with the PunchesDon’t be the person who chooses to complain about everything and spoil everyone’s fun. Before arriving to your host’s home, be aware that things aren’t always going to go as planned. Relax and let go of your expectations.
5. Don’t Leave Crumbs on the CounterSome people we talked to about their hosting experiences claim that their biggest pet peeve is when guests don’t clean up after themselves. Even if you tend to be messy in your own quarters, don’t drive your host crazy by leaving crumbs on the kitchen counter or used Q-tips in the bathroom. Make the bed, flush the toilet and turn off the lights. Simply put, be a good guest and pick up after yourself.
Speaking of flushing the toilet, try your best not to clog it up! There’s nothing more horrendous than staring down into a toilet that refuses to flush, especially when it’s not yours. When you’re a guest in someone else’s house, this always-untimely event is a cause for concern.
6. Lend a HandLet your host know that you’re happy to help out where you can. Volunteer to do the dishes, take the dog for a walk, or fold some laundry. That’s the least you can do after they spared you from dropping some serious cash on an expensive hotel room.
7. Return the FavorPlan on being a guest? Expect to be a host. Next time your hosts are visiting your part of town, invite them to stay with you. If not for the night, at least have them drop in for dinner or show them around your favorite hot spots to repay them for their hospitality. That way, if you ever find yourself in search of a place to rest your head at night, they’ll be inclined to accept your request.
8. Respect Your Host’s Personal SpaceRemember: Just because you are a guest in someone’s house, this doesn’t mean the owners want to spend every waking moment with you. You need to respect that and plan on doing the majority of your activities on your own. That is, unless you and your hosts have planned on exploring together. Your host is not your tour guide.
9. Don’t Overstay Your WelcomeIf you want to avoid overstaying your welcome as a house guest, the first thing you should do is to be clear about your arrival and departure times. This will give hosts time to prepare for your arrival, take the necessary amount of time off from work and plan for what will happen during your stay. Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with staying an extra day or two, but if you say you’ll be visiting for a week, don’t push that stay to a month without at least asking their permission.
10. Don’t Assume AnythingIf you have a question, just ask. Yes, this means not eating the last piece of chocolate cake without asking. And if you’ve used the last bit of the bathroom tissue, replace it.
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