10 Ways to Be the Ideal Houseguest

Help Out

You should offer to: Help cook; set the table and do the dishes; drive everyone around in your car; occupy the kids while Mom or Dad takes a well-deserved cat nap; fix a little something around the house if you have the skills; or take the golden retriever for a walk. Even if you're turned down, your hosts will appreciate the gesture.

Don’t even ask before you: Clear your dishes when you're done eating; buy some groceries and maybe the fixings for cocktails; get your own kids out of the house for an hour or two; and fill up the tank if you borrow the car.