When you step into someone’s home, there’s an unspoken set of expectations. Abiding by these social nuances will allow both you and your host to enjoy your time together without awkwardness. Here are the annoying behaviors you should avoid if you want to leave a good impression.
Wear Shoes Indoors
Unless explicitly told otherwise, always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. This is particularly important in cultures and households that hold this practice as a sign of respect. Keeping your shoes on can bring dirt inside and may be seen as a breach of etiquette.
Go Through Personal Items
Resist the curiosity to snoop through your host’s belongings. Browsing through cabinets, drawers, or personal spaces without permission is a violation of privacy. Always maintain respect for personal boundaries to ensure a comfortable visit for both parties.
Overstay Your Welcome
Pay attention to cues from your host that it might be time to leave. Lingering too long can make your host feel pressured to entertain beyond their comfort level. It’s polite to ask beforehand how long the visit should last and stick to the agreed time.
Ignore House Rules
Every household has its own set of rules that guests should follow. Whether it’s a no-smoking policy, restrictions on alcohol, or areas off-limits to guests, breaking these rules can create discomfort and potentially damage your relationship with the host.
Bring Pets Without Asking
Never assume it’s acceptable to bring your pet along when visiting someone’s home. Always ask permission first since pets can introduce allergens, and not everyone is comfortable having animals in their space.
Be Glued to Your Phone
Spending all your time on your phone during a visit can appear rude and disinterested. It’s important to engage with the people around you and not just your screen. Showing interest in the conversation demonstrates respect and appreciation for the host’s company.
Leave a Mess
Always clean up after yourself to avoid leaving extra work for your host. Whether it’s washing dishes after a meal or tidying up the living area you used, leaving spaces as you found them shows consideration. A tidy guest is always a welcome guest.
Bring Unexpected Guests
Showing up with additional people without prior approval from your host can be problematic. This can cause stress by potentially disrupting planned arrangements and causing inconvenience. Always confirm with your host before bringing others along.
Help Yourself to Food
Don’t assume it’s okay to help yourself with food or drinks without invitation. Wait to be offered or ask politely if you may have something. This respect for the host’s provisions will be appreciated and avoids overstepping boundaries.
Make Dietary Demands
If you have dietary restrictions, communicate these before your visit if you expect to be fed. However, avoid demanding special treatment or criticizing the food choices available. It’s more considerate to bring your own snacks or eat beforehand if your diet is restrictive.
Critique Their Home
Avoid making negative comments about your host’s home, such as decor choices or cleanliness. If you don’t have something positive to say, it’s best to keep your opinions to yourself. Compliments, however, are always welcome.
Smoke Without Permission
If you’re a smoker, always ask where it’s acceptable to smoke, or better yet, step outside. Many households prefer to keep their living spaces smoke-free due to health concerns or personal preference.
Change the Thermostat
Don’t adjust the heating or air conditioning settings in someone else’s home without asking. Such adjustments can be a personal preference and may affect household bills. Always speak with your host if you’re uncomfortable with the home temperature.
Engage in Inappropriate Topics
Steer clear of controversial or inappropriate topics during conversations, like politics, religion, or personal finances. Keeping the conversation light and friendly makes everyone feel at ease.
Use Their Computer or Devices
Using your host’s computer, tablet, or other devices without permission is a no-no. These are personal items that may contain private information or data. Always use your own device or ask permission if you need to access the internet or check emails.
Be Noisy Late at Night
Respect the quiet hours, especially if staying overnight. Keep your volume down late at night or early in the morning. Being considerate of noise levels shows respect for your host’s routine and living environment.
Refuse a House Tour
If offered, take the house tour graciously. Refusing can seem rude or disinterested. It’s a way for hosts to welcome you into their homes and share their space comfortably with you.
Ignore Invitations to Participate
If your host invites you to join a game or activity, participating is part of the fun and camaraderie. Declining too many invitations without a good reason can seem standoffish. Try to join in and enjoy the activities they’ve planned.
Forget to Thank Them
Always show gratitude to your host both when you arrive and when you leave. A verbal thank you, a follow-up message, or even a thank-you note can express your appreciation effectively. Gratitude goes a long way in reinforcing your appreciation for their hospitality.
Sit in Reserved Seats
Be mindful of seating arrangements in the house and avoid taking the usual seat of a family member without being invited to do so. Observing these small etiquettes can make your visit more harmonious.
Assume You Can Stay Overnight
Never assume that an invitation to visit during the day extends to an overnight stay. Always confirm any plans to stay longer and prepare to make your own lodging arrangements if necessary.
Overuse Their Wi-Fi
While most hosts will offer their Wi-Fi, it’s courteous not to overuse this service by downloading large files or streaming hours of video. Using their internet for basic browsing or communication shows consideration for their bandwidth.
Take Control of the TV
Dominating the use of the TV or changing channels without asking can frustrate hosts. It’s important to remember that you are a guest in their living space. Always ask if it’s okay before turning on the TV or changing what’s currently playing.
Forget to Bring a Host Gift
It’s a kind gesture to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home, especially if it’s your first visit or a special occasion. A simple item like a bottle of wine, some flowers, or a dessert can show your appreciation. This thoughtful act can set a positive tone for your visit.
Be Indifferent to Pets
If the home has pets, be respectful towards them. Avoid behaviors that may disturb or harm the animals, such as loud noises or sudden movements. Showing kindness to a host’s pets is an extension of your respect towards the host’s household.
