They will find only food and drinks. It's not like there is something too personal in there! I don't mind if friends come and open my refrigerator and serve themselves. What's the big deal?!
2007-08-17 02:25:59 · 29 answers · asked by Ruby 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes, I don't mind if my closer friends come in and just make themselves at home, however when someone new comes in making a first impression, it bugs me that they just go right in the fridge to grab something to or drink. First of all, It's impolite to not ask first, and just go through it. And Second of all, it's just bad manners that's all.
What bugs me the most, however is I used to have a friend who would not eat anything. When I was 10, I have another girlfriend who was 8, and she would always go home to eat. So, she wouldn't even TRY anything I placed in front of her.
So, let this be a message to all of you!! If someone is going to cook a meal for you, don't even open the fridge. Don't ask for everything you see. Try what their making, and if you know you don't like it, tell them. Don't wait til an entire breakfast of vegetarian bacon, chicken, sausage, and toast for two is cooked then leave to eat your breakfast.
2007-08-17 02:32:46 · answer #1 · answered by Simba<3 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It's a territorial issue. Some people are very protective over their personal space and don't like anyone encroaching on it. (I have an aunt that screamed at her own sister in front of the entire family for reaching into the oven and taking out a roast! My aunt's reason for being upset was that it's HER house and HER roast.)
As for me, I prefer to get food and drinks for anyone visiting my home. If they get the food and drinks themselves, I feel like they're hinting that I'm a bad hostess. If someone is a guest in my home, it is my responsibility and my obligation to serve them. If someone breaks protocol and does this, I will quietly and privately let them know how I feel about it, for future reference.
If I'm busy and the guest is a first degree relative who asks me first, it's okay. I'll always say it's okay, but I like to be asked first so that I won't go to the fridge later and find out that all the orange juice is gone.
2007-08-17 11:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by Avie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WOW! Who knew this was such an issue and ppl had such strong feelings about it!
I don't mind if ppl come over and open my fridge but then again I am a very easy going person. We have the neighborhood house and I just love to have company. I adore the "pop over". So when friends are over I feel they feel at home if they can just open the fridge.
That said....If someone does it to early in the friendship (say they have only been over once or twice) it surprises me. Not so much offends me but I think it odd...Strange huh?
2007-08-17 11:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by beth l 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its kind of like a little brother or sister going into your room. I know theres nothing personal in the fridge like a room but its your "stuff" and people should have permission before going in there. Mostly because most people would take food/drinks after opening the fridge so its kind of a thing to make sure people have permission to take your "stuff". If that makes any sense.
2007-08-17 09:29:35 · answer #4 · answered by alius n 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I guess it comes from the idea that it's not right to take food that's not offered and shows that the host is being remiss in entertaining you. Generally if your host has said something like "the drinks are in the fridge, help yourself" its OK, but if you're there just to sell them a magazine, opening their fridge is akin to going through their underwear drawers...
2007-08-17 10:14:13 · answer #5 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didn't realize that was a taboo...medicine cabinets yes, but never heard that about fridges. Of course, if they were to open mine in search of food, they'd be highly disappointed as there's not much food at all - just many bottles of water and cans of diet mountain dew.
2007-08-17 09:34:12 · answer #6 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's just rude because when you are in other people's homes you are not supposed to help yourself unless invted to. You shouldn't just grab a bite or a drink by yourself unless asked to and why else would you open their fridge?
In my opinion, if the host tells you to help yourself, go ahead. Otherwise stay out of their fridge, cabins and closets.
2007-08-17 10:15:21 · answer #7 · answered by undir 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi! It's not taboo -- it's bad manners. We are taught in early childhood to respect other people's homes and belongings. We do not open refrigerators, bathroom cabinets, medicine cabinets, chest of drawers, etc., in other people's homes. This is considered bad manners. And, yes, people sneak and do it; but that tells you something about them. Hope this helps!
2007-08-17 09:36:37 · answer #8 · answered by annswers 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a selfish person that is very greedy with my food, if someone opens my fridge i feel like there about to steal from me.
2007-08-17 09:30:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it just sort of generally falls into the category of snooping. It's true that you won't find anything particularly person in there, but you're still opening and looking into things.
2007-08-18 02:00:43 · answer #10 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋