They say after 3 days fish and houseguests start to stink.  We’ve all probably had some experiences with people who have overstayed their welcome or interfered too much in our personal space.  But the reality of living near the Shore is that people want to come visit!  So today’s blog is about what makes a pleasant stay.

I’ll always remember the book I read called “Refrigerator Rights,” about people who you’re so comfortable with that you don’t mind them grabbing something from the fridge without asking.  When someone’s staying at my house, I tell them they have “refrigerator rights.”  They seem to appreciate the freedom to snack as they please.  And frankly, it’s one less thing for me to worry about.

When I’m housing people, I really like when they speak up.  It’s stressful trying to be tour guide, meal planner and entertainment coordinator for a week.  When I ask a guest what she’s in the mood to do or eat, I love to get an actual response rather than  “It doesn’t matter,” or “I don’t care.”  At least help narrow the choices by telling me you don’t like seafood or you had pizza for lunch and don’t want it for dinner.

I used to be one of those quiet visitors.  Thinking I was being polite and not wanting to inconvenience anyone, I’d usually say, “Anything is fine.”  I’m grateful a friend pointed out how that frustrated her and now I try to do a better job communicating my preferences.

As a guest, of course, it’s important to express gratitude so that’s one way I’d respond to the question, “what makes a good houseguest?”  What are qualities or actions that you like in a houseguest?

Do you like them to do the dishes or do you prefer doing things your way?  Is it okay if they clutter up their guest room, as long as they tidy up on the last day?  What goes into making the perfect Jersey Shore houseguest?

 

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