Chances are at one time or another, being a houseguest has been “the plan”. Whether it is a visit of necessity, such as a fire or necessary flea-bombing in the middle of summer, or a visit of pleasure, such as a vacation on a budget, it has still been a visit to, and in, the home of someone else.
Houseguests Of Urban Legend
On the other side of the story are the people that have been the victims of a freeloader, a none-too-clean or well-mannered houseguest. “Uncle Frank” losing his job and coming to stay on the sofa for six months is one that makes the rounds of urban legend – with or without the shocking reality that Uncle Frank is not the uncle of anyone in the house at the end of it all.
The moral of the story is that most relatives and even close friends are willing to open their doors to those that are tired, possibly hungry, and a long way from their own home – provided certain rules of decorum, with a heady dash of common sense thrown in, are followed.
To be considered a “good guest”, always remember the following:
- Agree beforehand with the host on the length of the stay, and stick to it! No one likes guests that keep pushing the deadline of leaving back.
- Bring personal toiletries. Let’s face it – no one will really notice the toothpaste disappearing, but using someone else’s toothbrush is just gross.
- Do not expect a host to cater to every need and whim. The host may have already planned to cook a meal or two, but expecting breakfast in bed is probably (seriously) not going to happen.
- Offer to pitch in at every opportunity – help to clean the house, do laundry, or whatever small things need to be done. Chances are it’s a better deal pricewise than a hotel would offer!
- Bring a small gift when arriving. Nothing over $10.00, but something that will say a small thank-you, even before the stay.
- Send a thank-you note after the stay as well. Never doubt the power of a short, handwritten note that thanks the hosts for the work they did in putting someone up – or putting up with someone!
- If allergies or conflicting lifestyles are a problem (e.g. vegetarianism), don’t complain about a house with pets or meat-eaters. Stay at a hotel instead.
- If a host offers sightseeing, offer to pick up the tab for a meal out, or a tank of gas – at the very least, offer to pay for parking.
- Never expect a host to come up with spending money for personal expenditures while staying as a guest in someone else’s home!
- Do not treat the home as a personal vacation resort: Tying up the bathroom for hours, running the hot water out repeatedly, or using all the towels are definately no-no's.
- Personal laundry is the responsibility of the guest, not the host, and messes should be cleaned up immediately. If in doubt, ask directions to the nearest Laundromat to gauge the reaction of the host on using the family machines.
- If something gets broken or damaged, confess immediately and offer to pay the costs, if possible.
- If the host will be adhering to a normal schedule as far as work time, activities, etc., for their own family, respect that schedule at all costs. Hosts cannot, at times, afford to interrupt their lives.
- Personal phone calls should be made on the personal cell phone of the guest, or a pre-paid calling card. Leaving a host with a big phone bill is something they will find out about eventually.
- Always respect the house rules! If the host prefers shoes off, take them off. If the host does not smoke, don’t light up. Want a beer? Go out for one, don’t slurp on the sofa.
- Never assume that something is “all right”, or that the host “wouldn’t care, they’re family!” Always check with the host first before doing anything.
The Ultimate Perk In Being A Houseguest
How does one know that they have been a good houseguest? How can one really tell that the stay was a success, and the hosts will be glad to receive them again? Really, the ultimate compliment in being a houseguest is to be invited for another stay. Though the hosts may have gone to great lengths (and expense) to make their guests feel welcome, the guests should also go to great lengths to show gratitude, return the favor, and make the host feel just as comfortable if they were there alone.
Germaine Felder - I am a stay-at-home mom with one wonderful husband and one beautiful son. I have always been interested in writing, both fiction and ...
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