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?
|
We give our guests full access to all amenities, first and foremost. I keep the fridge stocked with plenty of snacks and show them where they are. I usually ask ahead of time if there are any foods they can't (or won't) eat, and make sure we have things they like available. I leave the guest account open on the computer. I make sure they have lots of towels, and leave samples of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc. in a basket on the bathroom sink. I like to put fresh flowers in the bedroom, and lay out some good magazines, books and the newspaper. If they're going to be out late, I leave a key under the mat so no one has to be woken up for them to get in. (And I wouldn't impose any kind of "curfew" unless the guest was a minor.) We let guests know if we're doing anything fun, such as going to the zoo, park, out to eat or shopping--but we don't try to make them go along with whatever we have planned. Our house is a place to relax--if you want to go in the back bedroom and sleep all afternoon, that's fine with me.
When someone stays in our house, they're part of the family, and should have all the same privileges.
Quote:
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 !!! [/B]
|
With all that said: Complaining about food that is served--big no-no. If you fix yourself a midnight snack, at least be kind enough to put the plates in the sink and return perishables to the fridge. And don't make your host or hostess pick up your dirty clothes. My washer and dryer are free for guests' use, but I will NOT pick up someone else's dirty underwear or socks. The biggest one -
Accessing inappropriate sites on the computer is NOT something you should do at someone else's house. 
(Or anywhere, for that matter, but PLEASE don't leave a nasty history trail on OUR computer.)
Another annoying offense is when a guest turns on a movie or TV show that isn't child-friendly while my children are in the room.
One evangelist that stayed at my parent's house one time kept making me run all kinds of errands for him (and with him--to the cleaners, etc.). I was about 15 or 16...anyway, when he got ready to leave, he asked me to take his luggage to the car, and I had had enough. I told him to carry his own luggage and stalked off. So--please don't expect your host family to be your servants. It's one thing to appreciate service when it's offered; it's another to expect it.
