House Guest Etiquette

DAII · #1 03-30-2010, 12:41 PM

What are some of the do's and don'ts that stand out to you, and in your experience, when hosting an out of town guest at your home?

What are some things a courteous house guest should do and not do, as well, in your opinion?

Love to hear some of the stories !!!

pelathais · #2 03-30-2010, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

What are some of the do's and don'ts that stand out to you, and in your experience, when hosting an out of town guest at your home?

What are some things a courteous house guest should do and not do, as well, in your opinion?

Love to hear some of the stories !!!

Make certain they have filled out their organ donor cards before you just start "helping yourself."

Elizabeth · #3 03-30-2010, 01:04 PM

We have for the most part have had really great house guests.

I did have a house guest do something one time I though was rather inconsiderate. That I would like to share.

this guest was staying with us during a conference that was being held at our church. One night our guest asked if he could be a guest for dinner, the guest was a misssionary. so we were excited to have this guest for dinner. We pulled out all the stops and made prime rib --ect.

Well our guests never showed, they decided to pray instead. Never called us-

I think if you stay with someone they maybe planning their meals around when you are there, so it is important to let your host know your plans so they do not go out of their way for you while you are making other plans.

dizzyde · #4 03-30-2010, 01:06 PM

All of my bad stories come from growing up in a pastors home, we had some really "interesting" guests back then. One in particular was a guy who felt the need to correct me and question what I was doing whenever my parents weren't around... in my own home.

As a 10 or 11 year old, that really went over well with me. My favorite was when he picked up a bowl out of the refrigerator and dropped it, and then immediately turned to me and said "SOMEBODY didn't put the lid back on right." I liked him a lot...

Oddly enough, last time I heard, this guy was in jail for some kind of fraud...

But as far as guests in my home, I always want them to feel as comfortable as possible, and to be able to relax. But there is a fine line between guests making themselves at home, and just being obnoxious.

Most people seem to know the proper boundaries, and some just don't get it at all. I think too, it has to do with your relationship with your guest. If I am guest in someones home, the way I behave is vastly different if I am staying with an acquaintance, or if I staying with family or one of my best friends!

DAII · #5 03-30-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizzyde

the way I behave is vastly different if I am staying with an acquaintance, or if I staying with family or one of my best friends!

Elaborate please. How different let's say with a close friend as opposed to an "acquaintance"?

Pressing-On · #6 03-30-2010, 01:15 PM

I always make sure the guest room has nice magazines, a few books, a candle and other personal toiletries. I like to put out a fresh set of towels on the bed with a nice bar of scented soap.

I have had house guests that do not ever offer to help you cook or clean up after any of the three meals per day for TWO weeks!

LOL! I am smiling and cooking and cleaning, but on the inside!

I had one young mother who knew her child poured milk from his cereal bowl onto the floor, looked the other way and let me clean it up. And another mother who gave me the privilege of cleaning up her child's vomit. Nice! LOL!

We had one man who wanted to sit at our computer and offered to consolidate our bills onto a program of his choice! LOL! What a trip! You don't want to make my husband mad. He doesn't hide it very well. He, of course, was furious. We have never invited them to come and stay with us again. LOL!

Pressing-On · #7 03-30-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

We have for the most part have had really great house guests.

I did have a house guest do something one time I though was rather inconsiderate. That I would like to share.

this guest was staying with us during a conference that was being held at our church. One night our guest asked if he could be a guest for dinner, the guest was a misssionary. so we were excited to have this guest for dinner. We pulled out all the stops and made prime rib --ect.

Well our guests never showed, they decided to pray instead. Never called us-

I think if you stay with someone they maybe planning their meals around when you are there, so it is important to let your host know your plans so they do not go out of their way for you while you are making other plans.

Wow, send him a bill! LOL! Did you find someone else to come and eat with you?

Pressing-On · #8 03-30-2010, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

Elaborate please. How different let's say with a close friend as opposed to an "acquaintance"?

Yea, I want to know that to? Does she pick her nose at a friend's house? We have to know these things!

Elizabeth · #9 03-30-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Wow, send him a bill! LOL! Did you find someone else to come and eat with you?

I can't remember- I think we may of had family over instead.

We thought it was a dumb thing, I dont care if they did end up having a prayer meeting, good grief they could have ate and then prayed. People are weird.-Lol!

Elizabeth · #10 03-30-2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I always make sure the guest room has nice magazines, a few books, a candle and other personal toiletries. I like to put out a fresh set of towels on the bed with a nice bar of scented soap.

I have had house guests that do not ever offer to help you cook or clean up after any of the three meals per day for TWO weeks!

LOL! I am smiling and cooking and cleaning, but on the inside!

I had one young mother who knew her child poured milk from his cereal bowl onto the floor, looked the other way and let me clean it up. And another mother who gave me the privilege of cleaning up her child's vomit. Nice! LOL!

We had one man who wanted to sit at our computer and offered to consolidate our bills onto a program of his choice! LOL! What a trip! You don't want to make my husband mad. He doesn't hide it very well. He, of course, was furious. We have never invited them to come and stay with us again. LOL!

You know what, I probably would have done the same thing. My mom is the same way.