Your parents just offered to take you in for the holidays, and you’re excited! You know that there’s a lot of expectations with this arrangement. So before they put up your Snowflake Tree out front and decorate their house like it’s Christmas 365 days a year, read these dos and don’ts so that your wonderful family doesn’t regret inviting you home.
Everyone seems to be traveling around the holidays, and everyone is entertaining friends or relatives at some time. It’s easy to forget that you’re a visitor in someone’s house when you’re staying with a friend or even your parents. While they’d probably let you go back to your untidy, let-it-all-hang-out ways, the mature guy respects his surroundings and communicates his thanks in a number of ways.
Always ask before showing up unexpectedly. You don’t want to show up without warning, and you also don’t want to say you’re coming in the form of a declarative statement rather than a question: “I’ll be in town next week and would love to stay at your house!” Thanks!” Always inquire, even if you have a standing offer to stay with a buddy. Also, tell them to check their schedule and get back to you; this gives the host a non-awkward “exit” if they are unable to board you.
Don’t leave them in the dark; inform them of your plans ahead of time. One of the most aggravating things a host may go through is not knowing when their visitor will leave in the morning, what time they should anticipate them home at night, and so on. Let them know precisely when you expect to come and when you plan to go before you arrive. When you arrive, review your itinerary for the days you’ll be there (if you have one). Inquire about their timetable as well, so you don’t interrupt their routine (see below).
Show up with a bottle of Winter Jack if you don’t have a present. When you stay at someone’s house for an extended length of time, you should thank them with a present. For the woman of the home, wine or flowers are rather typical. But why not try something a bit different? Winter Jack by Jack Daniel’s is the right combination of whiskey and apple cider liqueur, and it’ll be a pleasant, seasonally appropriate, and much-appreciated option. On your first night there, crack it up, warm it up in some mugs, and reminisce about the good old days.
Don’t be a couch potato; get in with household duties. There’s always something around the home that you could assist with, no matter what time of year it is. You should volunteer to do yard chores, shovel snow, wash dishes, take out the trash, and so on. Many hands, as the adage goes, make light work.
Don’t be a scrooge; contribute to the food and grocery budget. Groceries may add up quickly for a host. Snacks, morning coffee, and, of course, adult drinks are available in addition to meals. There are a few things you may do to assist defray these expenditures. To begin, you may offer to treat your hosts to a lovely supper. This saves them money for at least one meal, and it also serves as a nice present and thank you. Second, you can perform your own food shopping and meal preparation during your stay, and maybe even make something wonderful for your host.
Do not rely on your hosts to clean up after you; instead, throw your sheets in the washing machine. The clean-up that occurs after houseguests depart is something that they seldom witness; the host’s home must be put back in order. This normally entails cleaning the linens, which you may simply do and remove off their backs. Strip the bed and grab your towels before leaving, and ask your host if you may start the washing.
Don’t convert your house into a pig sty; instead, clean it up. It’s probable that your hosts completed a thorough cleaning before you arrived; don’t destroy it. Keep your place clean, as well as every other area of the house that you touch. Return books to their shelves, replace the empty toilet paper roll, and so on as soon as you’re done with them.
Don’t completely disregard your hosts; spend time with them and schedule activities with them. Don’t only utilize your host as a jumping-off point for all your travels. It will make them feel taken advantage of, and it isn’t very polite. Even if you’re here for business or to catch up with other pals, make time for your hosts.
Respect their home and don’t allow your presence disrupt their routine. Many households, especially those with children, adhere to a strict regimen. Breakfast must be served at a certain time, weekend rituals must be observed, and, of course, lights out must be enforced. Even if there are no children around, it’s conceivable that your hosts are still working or have formed crucial morning and evening rituals for themselves. Inquire about them, then do your best to uphold them.
Don’t overstay your welcome; after three days, go. “Fish and guests stink after three days,” Benjamin Franklin famously said. If you’re going to be in town for longer than that, at the very least offer to look for another somewhere to stay.
Don’t forget to write a thank you message; convey your thanks in writing. Thank you notes are usually written by a guy. Tell your host how appreciative you were for their generosity using your fountain pen and your best cursive calligraphy, and maybe even offer your house for when they come your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not do as a house guest?
A: Dont go to peoples bedrooms uninvited.
How do you become a good guest in someones home?
A: The best way to become a good guest in someones home is be well-behaved, respectful and not cause any trouble. This will make it easy for them to accept you into their space.
How long should house guests stay?
A: That will depend on the length of their visit and what they are doing in your home. If they stay for a week, it would be 12 hours per day. For shorter visits, 10-12 hours is recommended.
