Go ahead, help yourself! Rules of the road for guests.

We don't have friends over very often. We are always busy, and my son and dogs aren't very fond of strangers. The only person that comes over on a regular basis is my husband's best friend from work. He makes himself at home to an extent. He knows that if he's thirsty, he can drink whatever he wants, as long as there is still enough milk for my son. If he's there during a meal time, or while my husband is eating, he knows he's welcome to eat whatever we are eating. The only people that ever come to our house for an extended amount of time, are family members. They all know that they really are welcome to eat whatever they want and drink anything they want. As long as they are prepared to go to the store and get more milk or whatever if we need it! I wouldn't expect my sister or my mom to get me up or bother me if I was busy just so they could ask if they could have some yogurt or whatever. And we try to make sure we have plenty of food that they like when they are coming over anyway. It's pretty much the same way if I'm at my parents' house. I don't feel as comfortable at my in-laws' house, but my husband does, so I will make him go get me something to drink or whatever. :) He feels comfortable enough at my parents' house to go get whatever he wants to eat. My parents don't mind a bit, since they are just so happy to see us. My dad is always even asking us if we want him to cook for us (He normally cooks maybe once a month) when we are there. And he is constantly asking if Elliott is hungry, and if he can eat different foods, because he is just so happy to be sharing a snack with a baby again. If we are at someone else's house, I usually wait for them to ask me if I'm thirsty or whatever. I try to bring snacks for Elliott to anyone's house that we will be visiting, that isn't part of our close family, too.

Even though friends and family have said its all good help yourself, our home is your home, I am still respectful of their home and do not go helping myself to whatever I want. I wait until they ask if I want a drink or whatever. I'll ask them if I am thirsty or need to use the bathroom or something like that. I don't feel comfortable not asking when it is not my home. I don't mind my family and friends doing the same thing but they are very respectful of my home so they would always ask anyways. I have not had guests go overboard just yet, but we do have some friends staying with us for the month of Sept, so lets see how that goes LOL

This is such a great discussion. There are certain people that EVERYONE feels comfy enough to be able to reach for the last of anything in their homes. of course, asking is always a must when you do so. Other people you just have to know your limits..reading people who invite you to "make yourself at home" is key. I don'tknow.. I don't say that to people that I really don't feel comfy with. I'd be lying if I told a stranger to make themselves at home! besides, I have a hard time hiding my feelings. If I don't like what you're doing, I'll just be rude.

Yup, I and my friends always make ourselves at home in our different homes. I think I have got a buncha good buddies.lol..

wow..!!!man!!! there are six(6) question marks in your discussion. Here are the answers to the respective question marks; A1:- It is only the greetings words that showing kindness and to make our guests comfortable to be in. Just like thunder but not necessarily raining. And like car key, never starts or ignites the engine but we actually who start the engine. The words with simplicity in the meanings, so called. A2;- Will never do so as I'm not a stupido. A3;- Will never do so, because that stuffs is not mine. A4;- Guests and friends all are warmly welcome by me. Because I know how to take their money with their satisfaction...business. Because friends just like fruits, good stuffs for good health. A5;- They will never do that such way because my house got labeled rules and regulations sticked friendly on the walls and at the appropriate places. A5;- Sure there will be happy with my words of wisdom on that rules and regulations. A6;- And again they will never do that as all my guests and friends are educated persons. I will ensure no cows and goats will be entering my house.

Ha ha! I see what you are getting at and understand it completely. When anyone says "make yourself at home" I really don't and someone has to make a real effort to make me remotely do so. I usually find myself cleaning things or asking if I can sit on the sofa, not taking the last of a food or drink, etc.