BE THE PERFECT HOUSE GUEST
EXERCISE
Take a piece of paper and note down the + and - you go through when you are invited to a friends house for the weekend, for dinner or for a longer stay. What do you worry about before you go and what makes you ill at ease while you are there.
Now, to balance things out a bit, make a note on a piece of paper of the + and - you feel when you invite people into your home for dinner or a visit. What do you worry about then? What makes you uncomfortable.
Send your lists to your tutor.
GOOD GUEST CHECKLIST
It can help to prepare yourself by planning ahead and thinking through everything that might happen during your stay.
HOUSE RULES
You are entering your host's secret world and in this world there will be all sorts of rules and habits.
Find out what the rules are and follow them. It is easy to throw it into the conversation with "Anything I should know about morning routines?" there may be a rota for the bathroom based on who needs to leave the house first, for example.
Find out as soon as you enter the home and you will help put your host at ease.
PETS
Whether you love or loathe animals, they will be considered a member of the family unit.
Never ignore them, or try to push them away. if you have an allergy, take medication before entering the house or turn down the invitation.
When you are in the house give pets attention throughout your stay.
HELP
Being on constant guest alert is tiring for the host, offer to lend a hand and give her a break.
Clear up the dishes, offer to get groceries, prepare a meal, look after the children, whatever you can do to help will be gratefully appreciated.
HELP YOURSELF
This rule is tricky, so don't overplay it but use it to put your host at ease.
You don't need to wait around to be served all the time, ask the host if it would be alright for you to get yourself some cereal in the morning, releasing pressure on her to get up early to cater for you.
Take a pitcher of water and a glass to bed with you.
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