We all love it when our family and friends come to visit. We look forward to being able to go places and do things during their stay and we enjoy the time spent in our homes with them. Time together can include cooking, doing projects, eating special foods, going on shopping sprees, playing games and more. Laughter is usually part of this fun and full event but as we become guests we also should realize that we have a responsibility to do our part. Here are 10 things to do while visiting the home of someone.
1. Before going, call, talk and text or email details agreed upon about your visit. Include the time you’re coming, where you’ll sleep, what you’re expected to bring, if anything, and when you plan on departing.
2. Call or text the party at least 45 minutes before your arrival. This gives them time to do last minute things in preparing for you to come.
3. Bring “something” to the family. This something can be anything from a plant from your own yard, oranges from your orchard, pecans from your grove, chocolates from the special chocolate shop in your town or something you’ve made.
4. Upon arrival, take that time to hug, love, comment, “ooh and ahhh” about your surroundings before going to get your suitcases and personal belongings. Find out first where you’ll be and then go ahead and nest for the rest of the trip.
5. Keep your area neat and straight. Even if the folks with whom you’re staying are slobs, be the example and keep your area kept so that you will not be frustrated and the trip will be smooth and easy. Yes, make your bed and fold blankets and any cot or floor bedding. It’s important to show your host that you care about their place as your own.
6. Always ask before going into cabinets, bins and even the refrigerator. As a visitor, it is important to realize that everyone feels differently about their home. Some hosts would say “Oh, of course you may….” while another would say, “Let me get that for you”. Be mindful of others’ personal space.
7. When meals are being prepared and during clean-up time, it is important to offer assistance and see what part you may play in the preparation or washing time. And in fact, those moments can often be the most precious events in the trip as conversations are had and laughter abounds. This is where “making memories” often occurs.
8. Consider making lists about things each of you want to do. This allows everyone to see that their desires matter and it helps in framing a timeline for what things you might do individually, in groups or as a clan.
9. Avoid talking about topics that may bring about strife. Often religion and politics are tough subjects because deepening on your experiences, the area in which you live, your upbringing and personal preferences, these subjects can cause great concern. Think carefully before speaking about controversial topics in a group setting. Why cause a firestorm if it is not needed.
10. As you wind down your trip, straighten things back to their normal or better condition. Place your used bedding in the laundry room or the desired location indicated by your host and if possible, leave a note or gift card on the bed or on an obviously seen location thanking your host for everything. If you don’t leave one behind, then by all means mail one.(No, an email or text is not good enough- Come on now!)
