A sleepover guest crosses a new, different and very precarious threshold of endurance that should never be mistaken for hospitality. One who does so must tread lightly, lest they be forbidden to darken the doorway again in either the near or distant future. You have to know how to be a guest, and somehow if you can’t figure it out, there’s already trouble in River City. But let’s go over some rules of the sleepover road anyway, just in case you lost your way, but are really on the right track and mean well.
Be sensitive to any notes of reluctance in the voice of your host or hostess. If he or she says: “I wish you could stay over, but Uncle Ambrose’s time for release from the asylum and we need the guest room,” you know there is a problem of some sort. If you are expected to stay over, by all means come alone. Don’t bring unexpected company like your dog or cat unless your host has specifically told you that it was okay. Even animal lovers aren’t crazy about someone else’s pets infringing on the territory of their own, and this is not to mention how badly their pets might feel about this intrusion.
If you don’t have a life, don’t expect your host or hostess to provide one for you. Be prepared to amuse yourself. Bring a good book and a local tourist guide and a car if possible. Discover new horizons and sunsets as far away as possible from those that touch your host or hostess’s property. (They will appreciate you for it although the setting sun couldn’t care less.)
Be helpful, if you can. Guests who answer, “I don’t care,” when asked what they would like to eat, drink or do, have driven nuts many a formerly sane host or hostess. Don’t forget to spend quality time with your host or hostess and treat him or her to lunch or brunch at least one day of your stay. Pick up the grocery bill at least once too. It’s not only nice; it’s fair.
Follow these simple rules and you are sure to get invited again. If you should arrive and find your hosts have moved however, don’t look at me.
My uncle Ambrose needs the guest room!
Related Reading:
http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t36833
“The Guest Bathroom: Scary Stuff”