Visiting someone’s home comes with its own set of unwritten rules, and being a considerate guest not only reflects on your manners but also strengthens your relationship with the host. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, make sure you avoid making these common mistakes many people are guilty of.
Arriving Unannounced
When you show up without prior notice, you may catch your host off guard and unprepared. It may look harmless to you, but it’s one of the most annoying situations many hosts find themselves dealing with. What you want to do instead is always make sure you call or message ahead to confirm that your visit is convenient for both you and your host
Overstaying Your Welcome
Also, know that lingering longer than expected can place undue strain on your host, especially if they’re spending a lot of resources taking care of you. Make sure to pay attention to cues that it’s time to wrap up your visit, and remember that it’s best to leave while the mood is still pleasant. With this, your host may even look forward to your next meeting.
Ignoring House Rules
Every household has its own set of rules and routines, and you should make an effort to observe and follow every guideline your host might have. This can be as simple as removing shoes or as difficult as not using curse words. You show your attentiveness and respect for their space when you respect these preferences.
Criticising Their Home
Ordinarily, offering unsolicited opinions can make someone feel disrespected, shamed, and eventually irritated. And when you do this to something they love, like their home, for instance, it can be really hurtful. Even if your tastes differ, it’s best to keep negative thoughts about your host’s decor or cleanliness to yourself or focus on positive aspects more.
Leaving a Mess
One of the worst things you can do is to leave clutter or a mess behind, as this is inconsiderate and inadvertently creates extra work for your host. Be mindful of your surroundings and tidy up any areas you’ve used. A small act like this hugely demonstrates your appreciation for your friend’s hospitality.
Bringing Uninvited Guests
Just like arriving unannounced, arriving with additional people without prior approval can disrupt your host’s plans for you. If you’d like to bring someone along, always ask your host beforehand and respect their decision to have this person over or not. Doing this ensures your host is prepared and comfortable with the extra company you’re bringing.
Going Through Personal Items
It’s also important to know that you potentially breach trust when you’re found snooping through your host’s cupboards or personal belongings. Remember that respecting boundaries is crucial in maintaining a good relationship, so stay within common areas unless invited elsewhere and resist the temptation to explore private spaces.
Monopolising the Conversation
Dominating discussions can make others feel excluded, and it’s bad that you can be quite often guilty of this without even realising it. It may be difficult, but try to encourage a more balanced dialogue by listening actively and inviting others to share their thoughts. Such an approach fosters a more engaging and inclusive atmosphere for everyone around.
Overindulging in Alcohol
Now, when it comes to consuming too much alcohol, we warn against it because it can put you in awkward situations or cause you to commit many unintended offenses. You may even leave your host with a mess to clean up afterward. Always drink responsibly and know your limits, no matter how close you are to your host.
Forgetting to Say Thank You
A sincere thank you shows your appreciation for your host’s effort and hospitality, and failing to show some gratitude can rub off on them wrongly. To be on your best behaviour in this regard, you can even consider following up with a note or message to reinforce your thanks.
Using Their Personal Items Without Permission
Items like toiletries and electronics can be very personal to their owners, especially when you consider the health and data factors around them. Hence, without asking for permission to use them, you don’t only come across as impolite, but you put everyone at risk. No matter how small it may seem, seek permission before borrowing anything.
Bringing Up Controversial Topics
When you introduce subjects like politics or religion into conversations at your host’s home, you may end up having uncomfortable debates that spoil the whole mood. To ensure everyone stays at ease, be sure to only engage in light conversations if you’re not sure about how well your host will react to heavy topics.
Being on Your Phone All the Time
You should also know that, no matter how productive you are on your phone, constantly using it in the presence of your host will likely be perceived as rude and disengaging. Our advice? Put your device away and focus on interacting with your host! Give your full attention to show that you value their company.
Ignoring Their Pets
If your host has pets, acknowledge them appropriately as well. Even if you’re not an animal lover, it doesn’t take much to be kind to your host’s pets, and you will come across as respectful. It also shows your host that you care about what is important to them.
Smoking Indoors Without Permission
Whether your host mentions this as a house rule or not, it’s best to avoid smoking indoors at all times. This is because lighting up indoors without asking can cause discomfort or health issues for others that can be hard to manage. Always step outside and even enquire if smoking is allowed within the premises.
Forgetting to Offer Help
Also, when you offer assistance with tasks like setting the table or washing up, you serve a thoughtful gesture that your host will always appreciate—even if your help isn’t needed. It shows you’re willing to contribute and aren’t taking their hospitality for granted, and it ensures your host doesn’t feel overwhelmed during the times they do need some help.
Leaving Without Saying Goodbye
Finally, anywhere you find yourself around the world, understand that leaving without proper farewells can be abrupt or rude. If you don’t want to appear impolite, take a moment to thank your host and share a warm goodbye to leave a lasting positive impression.