The Properly Raised Individual Demonstrates Good Manners by Performing These 4 Actions When Visiting Another's Residence
Article Title: Being a Gracious Guest: Top Etiquettes for Staying Over
As a guest in someone's home, it's essential to show respect and consideration for your host's space and effort. According to Matt Machado, a journalist studying at the University of Central Florida, the key to being a good house guest lies in maintaining cleanliness, contributing where possible, and expressing gratitude.
Cleanliness is Key
One of the fundamental etiquettes is to clean up after yourself. Always treat the host’s space with respect by leaving no mess behind. This means washing your coffee cup, making your bed, tidying your area, and especially maintaining cleanliness in the bathroom. For example, wipe up any residue like shaving cream or hair in the tub or basin. The Emily Post Institute, a renowned authority on manners and hospitality, emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, especially in the bathroom, for guests.
Contributing Where Possible
Offering to contribute to groceries demonstrates appreciation for the host’s hospitality and shares the burden of supplies. The Emily Post Institute suggests offering to pitch in for groceries if staying longer. If you don’t have the finances to contribute to food expenses during your visit, being helpful around the house and bringing a host-gift can be thoughtful. Offering to help with grocery expenses can make a great impression when staying more than two or three nights.
Showing Gratitude
Gratitude is not only essential for building and maintaining social relationships but also for strengthening bonds. Saying "thank you" is important. Gratitude, according to psychologist Sara Algoe, initiates new social relationships, orients people to existing relationships, and promotes their maintenance and investment. Being respectful and appreciative of your host's home and their decisions about their pets is crucial.
Treating the Host's Pets with Respect
Treating the host's pets well is important as they are often considered family. Being nice to the host's pets is a good practice for guests. A 2002 study found that 13 out of 16 participants would give a scarce drug to their pet over a person outside their family.
In conclusion, being a good house guest is about showing respect and consideration for your host's home and effort. By following these simple etiquettes, you can ensure a pleasant stay for both you and your host.
Cleanliness in the host's home is crucial, demonstrated by leaving no mess behind and even cleaning up specific areas like the bathroom. Offering to contribute to groceries and showing gratitude through verbal expressions and treating the host's pets with kindness are also essential aspects of being a gracious guest. By following these etiquettes, one promotes positive relationships, maintains household harmony, and ensures a delightful living environment, resembling a well-balanced lifestyle from home-and-garden to relationships.
