Staying At People's Homes?

Question

My boyfriend and I are visiting some relatives of his. They are very nice people and I have meet them before. They have invited us to stay at their home for a week at the end of the summer. They live in a very touristy area and have a beautiful and large (accompidating to guests) home.

However, growing up, I never stayed at people's homes for more than a night. I never had family out of state, so there was no need to.

Now, I know that when you stay at someone's house, you should respect their property. Clean up after yourself, treat their home how you would want your treated, be polite and don't be demanding. Also, again, be super clean.

However, I still feel uncomfortable staying w/ them. However, my boyfriend and I don't have extra money to spend on a hotel. Also, my boyfriend would be offended if I didn't want to stay at his relatives house. His relatives would be insulted that I didn't want to. They would know it was me over him, b/c he's stayed w/

before.

What are some things I can do to be extra polite and grateful. I do have excellent manners normally and I do clean up after myself.

But, i'm still nervous. I've never stayed at someone's home for more then a night.

What happens if I'm hungry and want a snack? I can't go prowling through the kitchen. What happens if I'm suddenly feeling sick? I don't want to be sick in someone elses home?

Advice?

Answer 1

First of all don't be nervous. They wouldn't invite you if they didn't want you there. Just relax, and accept their hospitality. You sound like you will be a great house guest. I know when I invite someone to my house I mean it when I say make your self at home. Relax, and get to know them. You are actually doing them a favor by being there for them to visit with. While you get to know them notice if they have a small collection of things they like, and get them a gift to go along with it. A small gift, or a well thought out card will be great. I go nuts and cook all kinds of stuff when I have guests, and I love it when people eat .

Answer 2

I'd be uncomfortable as well, being much like yourself. Just explain your situation to your boyfriend, after all it has nothing to do with him or his relatives. It's only natural to feel slightly weirded out by staying with strangers. Ask them for food when you are hungry, be sure to tell them you'll make things yourself and always offer to make something for everyone. Maybe go shopping with your boyfriend for your own food or offer his relatives money for groceries since you'll be there on an extended visit. They'll most likely tell you both to help yourselves. Just be respectful and don't eat them out of house and home, not that you would :) I'd also suggest bringing a small gift as a thank you for their hospitality, perhaps a bottle of wine or some flowers. Just be respectful and treat them like you would if you were staying with your own relatives. Bear in mind that if you're going out to tourist places you won't be spending all of your time their which should alleviate some of the pressure of staying with people you don't know. Best of luck and try to relax and enjoy the time away from home!

Answer 3

The mother of the house sounds like she'd be so kind. When the time is right and you're alone with her, you should ask her some of these questions. I know it would really make you feel like a daughter to her. And It would show that you were brought up right. I bet if you asked her about raiding the fridge at night, she would tell you to help yourself to anything! And tell her that when your last night of sleeping is over, you want to wash the sheets and make the bed. She'll say no, but you insist! And when she's cooking, help her out with making the salad, or setting the table. And when meals are over, you tell her to stay seated, and YOU clear the table. You sound smart; you'll know the right things to do. Just pitch in a lot. She probably likes you a lot already, but after this visit she's going to love you! Good luck and have fun!! :)

Answer 4

It sounds like you'll be a great houseguest. I feel the exact same way and was in a very similar situation at the end of last summer. If you think you're going to get hungry...why not bring a few of your favorite snacks and keep them tighly closed in your room? If you want to be extra polite, you can bring them a fruit basket or a bottle of wine or flowers as a thank you...also, I always like to mail a thank you card as soon as I get home saying how much fun I had and how grateful I was for the place to stay.

Other than that...most people want you to be comfortable in their homes...maybe bring your favorite pillow, or even a blanket if you tend to get homesick...?

Answer 5

Act like you would at home, or in a hotel. If you get sick, ask where the nearest drug store is, send the bf, or wait for them to offer help.
Bet your host will show you where the snacks are, and help yourself to them. Just in case, tuck a couple of breakfast/snack bars in you suitcase.
Your hosts will give you cues as to what they want you to do. Nap time, meal time, sightseeing time.
Take a nice gift with you, or send one later, what ever you can afford. A bottle of nice wine, send flowers after you get home, a set of towels, bath or kitchen, add to a collection that you see displayed.
And no matter what, send a thank you note after you get home, mention several things you really enjoyed, like the cooking.
Another thank you you can do is take them out for a meal. Doesn't have to be expensive, in fact, you can ask for them to recommend a couple places, and specify it not be too pricey. Be prepared to say, oh, the price range of like Red Lobster, or Ruby Tuesday, or whatever.

Answer 6

Since you are already a well behaved person and know all about what to do as a guest, there should be no problem. As for getting hungry, pack along some health snacks such as health bars and some biscuits. Bring along a water bottle which you can top up with drinking water for night time.

Answer 7

Relax, it's not that hard. Bring some fruit with you in case you get hungry, but I'm sure they won't mind you getting things from the fridge. If you get sick you get sick, people understand you're human. It's happened to them, too. Bring a little gift with you, perhaps some scented soaps or a bottle of wine if they like that, as a house gift. Otherwise, it sounds like you have great manners. Go!

Answer 8

wow, you need to chill. It isnt' the end of the world you know. Its a mini vacation. With the frills of others being in the same place. Think of it as a bed and breakfast or a "Adult Sleepover". You will get use to it after a few times . Once you relax you just might enjoy a good night sleep.

Answer 9

You worry too much. If you think you will want to snack bring some of your own. Relax andyou will have a great time. :) Oh about you getting sick Im sure they will offer some meds if you like maybe bring some aspirin and nyquil.

Answer 10

Vacations are about relaxing and enjoying yourself. Family are people one should be able to be themselves around. If this boyfriend of yours is someone serious in your life and you can see a future with him then these people will be your family too. I enjoy going to visit family. It gives me time with them that I don't normally get. You get to be more personal with them. I would suggest a board game or something like that. Unless of course they aren't that type of family. Make them dinner to thank them or take them out to dinner. Get some clues as to their likes and get them something to thank them with. Make something personal for them. Maybe you craft or something like that. Most importantly, relax and enjoy your visit. The sound like a nice family and you sound like a great house guest so just have fun and don't over think everything.