Visiting a friend or family member is always a fun time, whether it's just a quick stop or a long overnight stay.
But you have to make sure that you aren't doing anything to offend your host who has so graciously welcomed you into his or her home, or to make life harder for them. Even if your host is a family member, they might not tell you if you're stepping out of bounds as to not create tension.
The solution? Know proper houseguest etiquette!
Diane Gottsman, who is described as America's go-to etiquette expert, for example, says that you should give your guests a bit of room to breathe if you are staying in their home, but you should also pitch in. It's all about balance, but there are some specifics you should follow, too.
These 10 simple things that no one should ever do in someone else's home will make things that much easier. Once you read them, some may seem like common sense, but how often have you been in someone's house and been guilty of #2? More than once, I bet.
With this advice, you'll be on your way to being a perfect houseguest, making your short visit or extended stay even that much more enjoyable.
Did we miss anything that you can't stand as a host? Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
Thumbnail sources: Flickr 1, 2, 3, 4
1. Open Drawers
Folks keep some things hidden away in drawers and closets with very good reason, so you should never open one without permission or unless they've asked you to fetch something for them.
If you need something specific, like headache medicine or a tampon, ask your host and they will let you know where to find one, or more likely, go get one for you.
2. Expect The Host To Feed You
Whether it's just a party or you are staying with a friend or family member for a week and a half, you should bring your own food just to help out a bit. For a party, ask your host ahead of time if there is anything they would like their guests to bring. If they really genuinely tell you that they don't want food, you're off the hook.
If you're bunking up for a week, ask where the nearest grocery store is so that you can go get some essentials as to not run the family dry and leave them with empty cabinets. Mikey Rox, an award-winning blogger, says that this is crucial.
3. Use The Back Door
Unless a family has explicitly told you to use their back door instead of their front door, it is safe to assume that their preferred door to use is the front, where these is a doorbell and a welcome mat.
Until you know for sure which door the family uses, just be polite and go for the front.
4. Assume Your Way Is The Right Way
Just because something like locking the door behind you or leaving dishes on a towel to dry is force of habit for you doesn't mean that that's the way your host likes to do things. Some folks might need to leave a door unlocked for another family member, or they might prefer to dry off dishes with a towel and put them straight away.
While visiting, it is polite to do things your host's way.
5. Leave The Toilet Lid Up
There are a lot of folks out there who prefer to keep the toilet lid down when it isn't being used, and consider it a great offense to leave it open for the whole world to see what's inside the toilet.
Just take the extra two seconds to close the lid before you wash your hands and go on with your visit. Probably Rachel, a professional etiquette blogger, says that this is absolutely necessary.
6. Reprimand Their Pet
You should never yell at, swat at, or speak negatively of another's pet. Pets are a part of the family, too, and you have no right to punish a member of another person's family. Even if you are a professional dog trainer, you shouldn't scold another's animal for getting up on the couch next to you, because that may be allowed.
If you are allergic to an animal, you should tell your host beforehand so that they can prepare a designated room with food and a litter box for their fur baby during your visit.
7. Peek Into Bedrooms Without Asking
Bedrooms are very private spaces, and your host probably doesn't want you just wandering around their home. Unless you are offered a tour and the host opens the door of their own accord, then you should steer clear of bedrooms and private baths, staying in the common areas.
8. Bring An Unexpected Guest
This could mean a pet, a friend, or an entire crew of people. If someone asks you to visit their home, you should ask if it is all right to bring a pet over, as they could be allergic or have small children.
If you want to bring a plus one (or maybe plus 10!), you should certainly ask if your host wants to welcome more people, even if it's a party!
9. Demand The Wifi Password
If someone is comfortable enough to share their Wi-Fi password with you, then it is likely that in this day and age, they will offer.
Asking for the Wi-Fi password also means that you will be spending a good amount of time on your phone, which is rude in and of itself, implying that you would rather be refreshing your Facebook feed instead of engaging in conversation.
10. Touch The Thermostat
If you think you may get cold, bring a sweater that you can toss on. In addition to keeping away from the thermostat, you should also refrain from blowing out candles or unplugging air fresheners when you don't like a scent.
If you do genuinely get headaches from powerfully scented items or you are feeling woozy from the heat, kindly let the host know and they will likely be willing to tone down the smells or adjust the thermostat. Some folks just like to keep their home very hot or cold, or smelling like a very pungent rose garden. Expert Diane Gottsman cites this as number one on one of her etiquette lists.
Did you know these things to never, ever do in someone else's home? Please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
