You’ve got a last minute out-of-town trip and the hotels are all fully booked. Suddenly you remembered that you know someone who actually lives in that town! You reach out to this person and he or she is kind enough to let you put up a night or two in his or her extra bedroom.
You might not realize but there are basic do’s and don’ts when staying at someone’s place. It’s called basic etiquette.
Here are some of the things that you should not be doing:
-DON’T comment that the house is small
-DON’T say things indicating that the house is messy or dirty
-DON’T take a self-tour around the house until the owner offers to show you
-DON’T snoop into their belongings
-DON’T open their fridge
-DON’T eat the food in their fridge or pantry without permission
-DON’T put your feet up in their couch or coffee table
-DON’T turn on their TV and browse the channels
-DON’T ask for their spare house keys unless given to you
-DON’T do your personal hygiene routine (shaving, plucking)
-DON’T slam doors
-DON’T leave switches on when you’re not in the room
Here’s what you should or can do to show your appreciation to them:
-DO offer to help around the house (preparing food, wash dishes)
-DO make the bed you’re sleeping in
-DO pick up after yourself (dirty laundry, used cups/plates, stray hair)
-DO give them some privacy or personal space for their usual routine
-DO socialize with the rest of the members in the house
-DO ask politely if you need to use something (toiletries, WiFi password, chargers)
-DO inform them if you will be out late
-DO buy them dinner to show them you are thankful
-DO thank them for their hospitality
Sometimes the things that we do, we don’t realize that it irks and invades the personal space of others. It is wise to actually have this realization before you turn a good friendship into something bitter. There’s a saying that goes, “You don’t know someone until you’ve lived with them.”
You may be so thankful and appreciative of your friend’s kindness but it’s better to be safe than sorry. So keep these tips in your mind for future reference. It’s also to be applied to your family members, not just friends!