When visiting someone's home, whether it's a close relative, friend, or colleague, try to be a good guest. Your behavior will determine whether the visit will be a memorable moment, or otherwise, a catastrophe. Show a polite attitude to make sure your arrival is pleasant, both for yourself and for the host.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Communicating with the Host
Step 1. Provide clear arrival and return dates
Don't make the host wonder how long your visit will be. Also, don't book a plane ticket before discussing your visit with the host in advance. If he agrees to a specific date, don't arbitrarily extend your visit without any notice. Keep in mind that he should discuss your visit with his spouse or roommate.
- Do not extend your visit. Although the host is kind enough to invite you to stay at his house, he may have to change his daily routine to accommodate your visit. In addition, he may have to invest time, effort, and money in making you comfortable.
- If your visit is longer than three days, consider providing financial assistance, or finding ways to stay somewhere else to give hosts a chance to have some privacy.
Step 2. Respect the host's time
Do not come earlier than the agreed date. The host may not be ready to welcome you and an early arrival can be uncomfortable for him. If for some unforeseen reason, such as a sudden flight schedule change, additional leave, etc., you have to arrive early, it's best to contact him in advance.
Do not come later than the predetermined schedule. The host will feel anxious and wonder what happened to you. If you are experiencing delays for some reason, contact him and provide an explanation
Step 3. Provide clear information about your arrival and departure dates
If the visit requires you to do other activities that don't involve the host, discuss the plan to avoid inconvenience. Do not leave the house, even for a moment, without telling the host. Don't make him guess whether you're going out or not.
Don't be noisy if you have to come home late. If the host lends you a spare key, use it. Turn off the lights and check to make sure the door is locked properly before going to bed
Part 2 of 4: Showing Respect
Step 1. Make sure your time is flexible
The accommodation prepared for you is short-term, and during that time the host must share his/her place of residence with you. Try to adapt to his habits and lifestyle. To avoid misunderstandings, ask him what he expects during your stay.
Ask if he wants you to eat with him or what time you should turn off the lights. It is important for you to remember that other people have to live in the house too
Step 2. Use the bathroom with sensibility
If there's only one bathroom, ask when it's a good time for you to use it. You should also consider the interests of others if the area you use to sleep is adjacent to the only bathroom. Remember, other people may want to use it after you sleep.
- Don't forget to flush the toilet and lower the lid. Don't leave the bathroom with the faucet still dripping, and the light on.
- Don't rummage through cupboards for toothbrushes and other toiletries. Ask the host if he has a backup.
Step 3. Ask permission before taking food
Don't take the last meal available on the plate, especially food that has to be made with a long, or expensive process. If you have to pick up food in the absence of the host, it's a good idea to change what you eat.
Step 4. Respect cultural and family differences
For example, you might eat all kinds of food, while the host family is vegan. So, it would be more polite if you try to taste what they serve. If you are not allowed to eat certain foods for cultural or religious reasons, let the host know before you come.
Try to adapt to the host's lifestyle. There may be children, pets, elderly parents, or other people living there, while you are used to living alone. Try to accept the situation and learn from the experience
Part 3 of 4: Rely on Yourself
Step 1. Make a contribution
Even if you don't eat at home, there's nothing wrong with shopping for food. Keep in mind that the host may shop for additional groceries and spend more time and money preparing for your visit. So you can provide financial assistance, or offer to go shopping when the time comes, and buy what you and he need (ask for a list from the host).
Step 2. Wash your own clothes
Don't be shy to ask if you can do your laundry there. The hosts will understand that after a few days you will need clean underwear.
Ask when it's a good time for you to do your laundry. Tell him that you don't want to interrupt his daily routine at home
Step 3. Offer to help with food preparation
You don't have to go directly into the kitchen, but you can help prepare the dishes, bring the dishes to the table, offer to wash the dishes or put them in the washing machine, clean the counter, and take out the trash. You can even offer to make a dish or two.
Part 4 of 4: Showing Gratitude
Step 1. Bring gifts when you come to show your gratitude
Bringing something as an expression of gratitude to the host shows that you care and are considerate. This action shows your appreciation for the effort to make this visit a pleasant one. No need to bring expensive gifts, a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a fruit basket, or a bunch of flowers will be welcomed.
Step 2. Show appreciation
Show that you enjoy local food, sights, and other sights. If your host provides home-cooked meals, show your appreciation by complimenting them and offering to prepare a meal for the next meal.
Step 3. Thank the host for the visit
Help him clean up any items you used or moved during the visit. Don't be in a rush when you leave, as the host may misunderstand and think you don't feel comfortable at home.
Leave a thank you card before leaving. There's nothing wrong with leaving a small memento to show that you appreciate her hospitality. A handwritten greeting card can be a testament to caring appreciation
Tips
- If there are lifestyle differences between you and your host, you may need to be careful. Remember, to compromise, be open, honest, and considerate.
- Pay attention to the security instructions in the host's home. Make sure you lock the door properly. Take good care of the loaned keys. If you use something, offer to replace it.
- If you have special dietary needs, it's a good idea to prepare them yourself. Tell the host that you will take care of the food yourself and explain the implications if you have to cook.
- Don't just sit idly by. Offer to help get busy in the kitchen. Put yourself in the shoes of a partner when offering help. Respect his habits and choices, as you would want to be respected in your own home.
- If the host offers to pick you up, at least change the gas used. Remember, he or she will have to make a round trip to pick you up or drop you off at the airport or bus station. So, don't let him bear the expenses.
Warning
- If you're not familiar with the city's streets, ask the host to accompany you so you don't get lost.
- Don't take your pet with you, even if he or she can be left outside, without asking. If your host sounds hesitant when you ask about the possibility of bringing a pet, don't bring it. If he doesn't mind, don't forget to regularly clean up any litter left by the pet.
- Replace whatever you broke. Even if you accidentally damage it, it is still your responsibility. Try to repair it, replace it, or leave some money that matches the price of the item. It shows that you respect other people's property. If you don't do anything about it, the problem will leave a long, unpleasant memory, and will definitely be shared at family gatherings or in your circle of friends.
