How to be a Welcome Guest

9.  Graciously eat the food that is prepared.  Giving a lecture on diet is a fast way to become an unwelcome guest.  If you don’t want to eat or drink something, just skip that item.  Don’t make an issue of it, and don’t go around reading labels and questioning each recipe.  Compliment the cook.

10.  Keep public display of affection within limits of good taste if you’re visiting a boyfriend or a girlfriend’s home.  The family should never feel embarrassed.  Parents shouldn’t feel that they have to keep track of you and chaperone.

11.  Join and enjoy family activities, even if you may find them boring. 

12.  Respect and participate in the customs and rituals of the home.  Maybe it’s eating with chopsticks, removing shoes in the house, keeping feet off the furniture, the music low, or the television off at certain times of the day.  Don’t make your hosts alter their schedules and usual patterns for you.  In the same way, don’t expect them to entertain you every minute.  Find a book or magazine to read, go for a walk, or offer your help with whatever your host is doing.

13.  Be sensitive to the family’s financial situation.  Don’t take a huge serving of food if there’s limited supply.  Don’t eat or drink a lot of what is obviously a special treat.  Be sure to pay your host for any phone calls you make or for other expenses you incur.

14.  Leave a neat room and bed. You may do one of the following:

            a.  Leave a note of thanks in the bedroom.

            b.  Write a thank you note within a few days of departure.

            c.  Leave a small gift or thank-you note in the bedroom.

Most people enjoy sharing time with a houseguest, especially when they know that the guest appreciated the time and expense they put forth in sharing their home and family.

Visiting in someone’s home is an honor and privilege.  It is an opportunity to show the host that your visit is not a headache, but a very real pleasure!