5 gross mistakes that homeowners make in relation to guests who stay overnight

It's not just the guests who need to keep etiquette in mind. It's equally important for homeowners to follow the appropriate rules of behavior. Especially if they leave people overnight.

HuffPost writes: "Inviting friends over and letting them stay overnight is an incredibly generous act that deserves gratitude and recognition. However, just because you open your home to others doesn't mean you have the right to mistreat them."

"The fact is that everyone likes to be treated with respect and kindness," Jackie Vernon-Thompson, founder of the From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette, told the publication. "Therefore, there are several etiquette protocols that hosts should know to make their 'overnight' guest feel comfortable."

The recommendations may vary slightly depending on your relationship with the guest and the nature of their visit. But no matter what the circumstances, you don't have to go out of your way to be an attentive host.

Here are the most common examples of rude behavior when receiving guests and tips on how to avoid these mistakes.

You didn't offer clean sheets or towels

Even if you're not the type of person who likes cleanliness, prepares special dishes, and sets out vases of fresh flowers for your guests, you should provide them with everything they need. First of all, these are clean sheets and towels so that guests can sleep and shower comfortably.

The most important need of an overnight guest is a comfortable place to sleep, so make it a priority. Check in advance whether the sofa bed in the living room is in good condition, whether the mattress is comfortable, and what condition the sheets and duvet cover are in.

If for some reason you can't provide clean bedding or towels, ask the guest in advance if they can bring their own. At the same time, you should understand that guests will also not bring toilet paper, hand soap, and bath products with them - you must offer them.

In general, your home should become an impromptu hotel room for the night, and providing basic necessities shows that you think about the comfort of your guests.

You are too attentive and even intrusive

Allow your guest to get some rest. If they've gone to their room to read or take a nap, there's no need to stand at their door or knock to see if they're awake. And if your guest is busy with his cell phone or answering an email, don't ask him every time what he's doing there

It is quite natural for a person to want to be alone, so don't expect them to spend all their free time with you. Give them space and trust that everything is fine.

Also,

• Do not turn off the light when the guest leaves the room.
• Do not follow him back, do not pick up, and do not clean up after him every step of the way, unless it is really necessary.

This kind of cleaning shows that you are unhappy with the way people behave in your home or that you are annoyed by their habits.

You did not specify whether any of your guests have allergies

Check with people staying overnight in advance to see if any of them have food allergies or dietary restrictions. The worst thing is when hosts offer guests food that can make them sick, so this conversation is vital.

If you find out that one of your guests has asthma and cannot tolerate certain smells, make sure that the air fresheners or products you use will not be a problem. By the way, this also applies to pets, which you should warn your guests about, and you may need to take care of nearby accommodations.

You did not welcome guests to your home

Guests are supposed to be met at the front door. Let them in, allow them to put their bags down, take off their outerwear, and invite them to "freshen up" (i.e. use the restroom), followed by a snack and a drink.

Starting off like this sets the right tone and shows that you understand that you respect that they have traveled a long way to be here.

If you can't be home when your guests arrive, leave a welcome note with instructions as well as snacks and drinks. Don't forget to mention when you'll be back and suggest things people can do in the meantime.

Encourage guests to feel at home and get as comfortable as possible. Once they're settled in, give them a tour, especially if it's their first time.

You didn't tell your guests anything about the amenities and disadvantages of the house

When you leave your guests overnight, make sure they know where to find the essentials, such as the Wi-Fi password, phone chargers, extra towels, and coffee for the morning.

Consider writing or printing out a note with information about your home and any special features. Include the Wi-Fi name and password, the address for ordering an Uber, the location of toilet paper, and other necessary details.

It would also be nice if you could share information about any flaws in the house, doors that don't close properly, suspicious noise when the heating is turned on, or pet behavior.

Specify which bathroom the visitor can use during their stay. If there are rooms or areas you would prefer not to enter, omit them from your home tour or mention that you would prefer people to avoid them.

In general, don't get angry at guests for their "mistakes" and refrain from making a long list of strict rules.

If your home observes certain religious rituals, be sure to let your guests know before they arrive to avoid awkward situations.

You didn't communicate your plans and expectations for the visit

Discuss your guests' schedule in advance so that people know when everyone is going to get up and what the plan is for the next day.

Try to be involved, but not demanding, when it comes to the schedule you have laid out.

A big mistake would be to not include guests in previously made plans or to expect them to do the same as you. You may like to go to bed at 7:30, but you can't expect your guests to do the same. Nor can you forbid them from talking or watching TV at such an early hour.

However, try to keep these needs within reason, and again, offer the opportunity to discuss any unusual issues in advance.