How to be or host a perfect houseguest

Well, there is nothing like the thrill of a visit! Whether you are the host or the visitor, there is plenty of anticipation and expectation. And, then there is the reality. We all know how that goes. I mean, it seems like such a good idea, but visits can end up being a real source of stress and frustration. Things like misunderstandings and lack of privacy can lead us all to be checking the days off on the calendar, wishing away the very thing we have been looking forward to.

How to Survive and Enjoy Houseguests!

For the host:

1. Gather info - Find out about your guests expectations. What are they hoping to do? Do they love nature, gourmet food? What are they eager to see and do?
1. In action: “I am so excited you are coming! What kind of things would you like to do while you are here?”
2. Communicate your expectations – Start to prep your guests, so there are no unwanted surprises.
1. In action: “Joe and I have one outing we have to attend while you are here. So, you will be on your own on that night. We’ll give you lots of great suggestions for fun while we are out!”
3. House Rules – Show your guests the ropes. They cannot know how to respect the specifics of your house rules if you don’t tell them. Remember, a moment of discomfort will demonstrate your expectation and save you a lot of grief!
1. In action: “Sorry, kids can’t have drinks on the couch. It’s our house rule.”
4. Communicate with yourself – Know your barriers and issues. Do you flip out when you don’t get your alone time? Are you a neat freak and your messy guests are making you nervous? Know what you need and what gets under your skin!

For the guest:

1. Ask, don’t announce. No matter how close you are with your host, always ask!
1. In action: “We would love to come and visit on the 17th of September, does that work for you?”
2. Be clear. Give your host the most detailed info you can.
1. In action: “We will arrive on the 17th. We think it will be between 3 and 4, depending on traffic. We’ll leave Sunday afternoon, around 2:00. How does that sound?”
3. Ask your host about their rules. Respect how they run their household.

1. In action: “Where do I put the used towels and how often do you tend to use them before washing?”

via lifelearningtoday