5 Tips to be a Welcome Guest
With technology being what it is today, we send a message to check if we can call! Nothing happens just like that.
I’ve always had guests come by and having lost my mother early this month, I have been having a flood of visitors for obvious reasons. It is nice to have people over, whether there is a reason or otherwise — but as visitors, do we know how welcome we are?
Here are 5 ways that can help to be a welcome guest.
Keep to time
I had a neighbor who would always tell me she would drop by ‘in the evening’. I would begin waiting for her from 5 pm onward. Time would tick on, and around half-past six, she would call to say she is being delayed and would come in a little later. The ‘little later’ would stretch beyond the little and I would begin getting restless. It would be annoying and I would even want to tell her to come another day. She would repeat this behavior almost all the time.
Visitors, please value another person’s time. If you do, you would be on time, as their time is as valuable as yours. Remember the importance of being time.
As much as you would like to be heard, listen to the person you are with
Some people like to be in the spotlight all the time. Everyone has something to say. Don’t over-talk and push your opinion all the time; everyone is entitled to an opinion. Learn to listen, and when you talk, let it be worth the other person’s time. Don’t steal the limelight to be the host’s dreaded visitor!
Know when you are not wanted around
Your hosts would need their space; realize this when in time and know it before you see signs of being a bother. A 45 to 60-minute visit is ample time unless you are buddies who’ve known each other for years. You must be smart enough to know when it is time to leave, overstaying can be a host’s nightmare.
My personal ‘happy moment’ is when I give my host a ‘small something’
Nothing fancy, just a small gift will make a huge difference. I try to carry something when I visit people unless there is no way I could do it. There is something so beautiful about gifting, that swells my heart with happiness. You will not be judged by the value (in terms of money) of your gift but by the thought of it.
Be gracious with your words
Be magnanimous with your compliments — look for good things to say and admire. There is always something beautiful around, you only have to spot it. And make sure you tell your host how lovely that ‘something’ is. Be generous and kind with your words. You have only to gain, nothing to lose.
Being a welcome guest is important. Let not the hosts regret they invited you.
