[Sir Kenyth]

Being a good house guest really doesn't require much except common sense. Sense that remarkably few people show. There are a few things you should expect from any host that allows you in. Bathroom use and a cool drink of water. Outside of that you should wait to be offered anything else. A good host will offer something. Another good idea is to bring something over that everyone can enjoy. A bottle of wine, a six pack of beer, cold sodas, chips, etc. As a host, you shouldn't consume anything unless you offer some to the guest. Try and return favors when possible. I have a brother who has a problem with being a glutton or a pain when visiting family. Now I don't mind feeding family but I feel it is my duty to help him develop proper manners as a guest. Too many people complain about it, but won't talk to him about it either. I try to gently press him in the proper directions. I remind him that he should never clean someone out of a particular item unless he has express permission to do so. The last beer/glass of wine is no big deal but should be asked for. If you give him the freedom, he will gladly clear the house of alchohol and snack foods. Just the other day he was borrowing CDs and removed them all from the tower to look at. When he was done, he was just going to leave the ones he didn't want laying all over the floor. From the look on his face, he knew exactly what he was trying to do. I gently had to remind him to put them back where he had found them. I don't know where he picked up these habits, but he needs to lose them. I love the boy, but he needs a bit of social guidance. Taking advantage of others hospitality is a sure way to never get invited again. Hopefully, he'll learn. My parents have taken my cue and started doing the same thing. Some folks will never learn to be a good house guest, but letting them get away with rudeness won't help either.