How to be a good guest in some one's home ?

Question

If I am going to live with a British friend for some days.... what all should be done to be a good guest ?

Answer 1

Eat what is put in front of you whether you like or not - clean your plate and say thanks that was great afterwards. I've lived like you are going to live in Britan, and it means so much to them when you eat their food and love it.

Be smart - clean up after yourself, don't take hours in the bathroom, remember that you are living in very small quarters with people, and you all have to get along! Make your bed, offer to help cook, clean - but don't deny your hosts the pleasure of serving you as their guest, British people love to have people over and treat them well.

Have fun!!!

Answer 2

sleep where they put you and help with the chores. Eat what they have and like it. (even if you don't) get out of the way now and then by going to your room or something so that you're not "in thier face" all the time.
We had a great house guest for the summer two years ago. I got up in the morning and the dishes were done. She always had something sweet in the bread box that she made for the family to share. She kept the bathroom clean and her stuff put away. Her bed was always made and I never heard her after I went to bed.
She can come back anytime.

Answer 3

Ask! Most hosts are not offended and would welcome the assistance, especially to have the company around while accomplishing the task. It is definitely appropriate to clean up after yourself, i.e. clean bathroom after you use it, make your own bed in the morning and not assume that your host (ess..) will do so for you...just like you would at home. Also....pay particular attention to how late you can stay out and come back home or even get up in the morning and start "banging around". Most people hate being disturbed while sleeping...as a guest this is no different, so ask about these hours! Also....before leaving to go back home, I always like to get a little gift and leave it on the bed or nightstand in the room that I slept in with a little thank you note attached. Something that goes with the room or something your host mentioned he or she likes(d). Nothing expensive , just a subtle mention of how much you appreciated being trusted so well. Everyone likes to be appreciated...especially when they are sharing their home with you! Above all, avoid arguments and have as much fun as possible!

Answer 4

Being a good guest...no matter where you'll be staying or for how long...is mostly one of respect and courtesy. Also, it is always appropriate to either bring a gift with you...one that is sensitive to the host/hostess and represents your appreciation of their graciousness for allowing you to stay at their home. If this is going to be an extended stay, rather than just a visit, you should contribute to the household either financially or practically...in the form of cooking, cleaning, etc. When I stay for more than one night at the home of a friend or acquaintance, I always either take them out to dinner or make it.

Answer 5

Make your bed every day. Clean up after yourself. If you're a guy, put the toilet seat down. Offer to help with meals and clean up. Offer to take your host out o dinner. When you leave, leave behind a nice gift. It doesn't have to be expensive. It can be a bottle of the host's favorite wine, or a nice candle. Also do not forget to send a thank you card or note thanking your host for a wonderful stay.

Answer 6

Show respect for your host with proper greetings, especially to the eldest in the group. Address these people with the country’s customary titles.
Dress appropriately to show honor to the culture, usually modestly. Women’s shoulders should be covered and no shorts or pants for women unless given permission by your host organization.
Ask your new acquaintances about their family. In most cultures people live in community/extended family units. Always ask your new friend about his/her family and feel free to talk about yours. Bring pictures of your family.
Don’t talk too much (not a problem when you don’t know the language). Be a good listener and observer, and ask polite questions.
Act very discreetly with the opposite sex. Avoid public displays of affection. Avoid being seen alone or talking at great length alone with the opposite sex. At home you can pursue any new relationships that may interest you while you’re on the trip.
Always show gratitude for your accommodations and food whatever it may be. It is most likely the best they have to offer. Don’t boast about what Americans have.
Never show your temper. Many other cultures see a display of anger as the greatest of sins.
Be sure you get permission to take a picture of someone. Don’t offend by taking photos of what they consider their private space or what they consider a negative aspect of their country.
Be flexible with your time. Go with the flow of the culture and the ministry you’re involved with. Go to learn and serve.

Answer 7

You should arrive with a small gift like a plant, wine or a little gourmet something (cheese, preserves). Think of it like a mini house-warming gift to let them know that you appreciate that they've opened their home to you.

While there, be aware of the extra effort and cost to them. For example don't take extra long showers, don't invade their private areas and for goodness sake pick up after yourself.

When your visit is over, take them to dinner or make them dinner or make an offer to return the favor if ever they would like to stay with you.

Answer 8

Be courteous, responsible, and gracious.
Offer to help with household tasks, be willing to stay out of the daily routine.
(Don't reprogram the radio or remotes, don't answer the phones unless asked to, don't try to make meals more interesting than presented...}
Think before you speak, especially with cultural context and slang.
Allow the host to lead, but do not be a wet blanket or a bump on a log.

Rely on the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Answer 9

yes, help around the house, clean up, as the person before said,

also,
don't swear, drink too much (don't get drunk either), eat too much, watch for clues of how you should behave, ask questions, tell them that you come frome a different country and don't know the ways of this country, and you'd appreciate all the help you can get (they'll love you for making an effort :-)))

try to wake up before they do, and if you don't, apologize to them and say that you didn't mean to oversleep, but their home feels so nice that you had a really good nights sleep... etc. etc.

ask them ahead of time what they'd like you to bring to them.

enjoy your time with them. always be courteous and thankful.

Enjoy :-))

Answer 10

Always try and be pleasant, smiling when you can and being friendly. Say thank you when you want to, and you could also buy them a thank you gift and write them a thank you card of the great time you spent with them. You could also just help out around the house. But I'm sure they'll love you just being there to keep their company, so don't worry, just be polite :]