By: Natasha Archary
There’s nothing worse than having impolite and ungrateful houseguests who take advantage of your hospitality.
It’s even considered disrespectful when a guest brings their own bedding, towels, and other basic amenities.
Prince Charles does it because he needs to make sure that his orthopaedic bed is ready for him whenever he stays over.
The conversation on Kaya Drive involved what some of the golden rules were for guests, and Skhumba didn’t hold back.
If you’re a guest at Skhumba’s house, please respect his fridge, don’t brush your weaves in his home, and even if it’s an emergency, guests are not allowed to use his toilets.
The Kaya 959 presenter would rather drive you to a mall than have his guests use his toilet.
While a good host will ensure that a guest bedroom is done up and is as comfortable a home away from home for their visitor, it’s not always possible to cater to a guests’ every need.
This is where golden rules apply and basic guest etiquette comes in, so the host isn’t left feeling like they’ve fallen short of host duties.
Golden rules for houseguests
When someone opens their home to a guest, it is one of the kindest acts of love and respect. Not only are you letting visitors into your personal space but you’re telling them to “make yourself at home.”
In most cultures it is seen as major disrespect to expect a guest to pay for anything around the home during their stay. However, with the cost of living, petrol and out of sheer courtesy, it is impolite to expect your host to cover all your costs.
Especially, if you’re unsure of what their financial situation is post-pandemic. It’s important for guests to be considerate of duration of showers or baths, inviting other people over without the host’s permission and to not be demanding.
- Make your visit short and sweet. Generally keep your visit to no more than three nights.
- Bring your own toiletries.
- Make your bed and clean up after yourself. Keep your bathroom clean: Wipe up any ring in the tub, shaving cream residue in the basin, hair on any object or surface, or dirt on soap.
- Offer to help out, especially in the kitchen (unless your host objects).
- Show that you’re enjoying yourself.
- Offer to pitch in for groceries if you are staying more than two or three nights.
- Bring or send a gift, or treat your host to a night out.
