Being a houseguest always causes the host some level of discomfort, no matter how much they love you. Because hosts are expected to work harder and change their schedule to accommodate a houseguest, it’s only natural that you do everything you can to make the visit as pleasant as possible for both you and the host.
Bringing a gift for the home you are visiting is one of the most important things you can do as a houseguest. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on gifts. Bringing a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates is simple and inexpensive, but it will impress the host. If you’re a first-time houseguest and don’t know the family’s likes and dislikes, avoid items that are too personal or quirky decorative items that hosts would be forced to put on display.
Make the host’s life as easy as possible once you’ve been accepted as an official houseguest. Learn the household routines, such as when breakfast is served and when quiet time is required in the evening. Even if the schedule differs significantly from your own, you can try to adapt as much as possible. Find ways to work around the schedule so they don’t have to stay up to open the door for you, for example, if you really can’t go to bed at the same time they do. Even if your offers of assistance are turned down, you can turn into a godly houseguest by doing small things like making sure the bathroom is clean after each use or cleaning the kitchen after making coffee.
You are expected to bring luggage as a houseguest, but you should still try to blend in as much as possible around the house. Keep all of your belongings in one place, and don’t interpret “make yourself at home” to mean that you can leave dirty cups in the sink or your shoes strewn across the living room carpet.
Finally, remember to be grateful when your time as a houseguest comes to an end. When you get home, write a thank you note and let your hosts know how much you enjoyed your time with them.