Staying With Friends and Family

It is lovely to visit friends and family. Generally, I think it better to visit and not actually stay as independence for everyone is lovely. However, not all people are the same; one may have limited finances for paid accommodation; and there are simply times when it’s just nice to stay. Here are a couple of tips for when staying with friends and family.

Try to limit your stay to three nights. This was advised by my mum and I think it’s good advice. She said, ‘It’s better to under-stay, than over-stay’.
Don’t expect your hosts to constantly entertain you. Go out on your own during the day when they’re at home so that they get a break.
Evenings are precious, especially if people are working during the day, so go to bed early with a good book.
Note what mugs they use for themselves, and don’t use these ones when you make yourself a cup of coffee.
Learn their drinking preferences such as coffee or tea, sugar or milk, etc. and make one for them.
Don’t just offer to help, do things. Bring in the washing, wash the dishes or put them in the dishwasher.
Notice special cheeses in the fridge or treats that they have in the cupboards and buy a few replacements.
Make or buy an evening meal, especially if they work during the day. That’s a real treat for your hosts.
Take the sheets off your bed on the last day and ask for clean sheets to remake it.
Buy a petrol voucher or a supermarket voucher as a farewell gift but don’t embarrass your host by overdoing it.
When you get back home, send an email or a handwritten note to express appreciation.

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