There comes a time in almost everyone’s life that they find themselves a house guest in someone else’s home. If and when this happens to you, keep the following tips in mind. They’re provided to help you be a good house guest.
How to Be a Good House Guest
Show up with a gift
This is a great way to break the ice as well as to show appreciation for your host taking the time to prepare for the visit. If you aren’t sure what to purchase, consider a board game or simple deck of cards. This way, the house has an activity to share with guests in the future.
Make sure you know the rules of the home
Ask ahead of time if you need to remove your shoes while in the house, if you should use coasters under your drinks or about any other situation that you’re not sure what the proper etiquette might be. Good house guests make sure they fit into the host’s home, rather than inconvenience and embarrass them.
Ask if you can help in any way
If your hosts are busy with housework such as dishes or dusting, ask if you can help in any way. They’re sure to appreciate assistance with taking care of things, especially if they have a lot on their plates. If they don’t want any help, they will likely still appreciate that you were willing to volunteer.
Always clean up after yourself
Always clean up after yourself. Depending on your normal routine at home, you may leave more of a mess behind in the kitchen than you think. Take a moment to inspect any areas of your host’s home that you use to make sure that you’ve taken care of everything.
Show your gratitude
Once your visit is over, reach out to thank your host with a thank you note or message. Everyone likes to know that their efforts are appreciated and that their guests had a good time while visiting.
These are just a few things to remember when you’re staying in someone else’s home temporarily. It doesn’t matter if it’s family, friends or someone you don’t know well, being a good house guest is imperative.
Precisely the kind of post some people need to read!
There are some, who make wonderful houseguests, and others who….well, we would rather not have them as guests at all!
Oh yes, Shilpa. We’ve had both kinds. However, after two ‘bad’ episodes, we’re reluctant to keep houseguests.
This post made me assess what kind of a house guest am I. Maybe I should be offering my voluntary services with the house work but since I don’t like doing them, I take it as a respite of moving away from home and being a guest. Not nice, I know.