How to Be A Good Guest at Thanksgiving Or Any Other
Time
by Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach
1. When you get an invitation, R.S.V.P.
2. Arrive 10-15 minutes after the invitation time (but no later). This gives
your host and/or hostess those last few minutes to prepare.
3. Check and see if children are invited. If they aren't, don't bring yours.
Nor should you expect your host and hostess to solve the babysitter dilemma
for you.
4. Don't arrive empty-handed. A bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, a
packet of printed cocktail napkins, a little inspirational book ...
5. Offer to help in the kitchen, offer to help with the dishes. You may be
told "no," but at least you asked.
6. Participate! It's up to you to make it a party. Talk to someone who's
alone, mix and mingle, make good conversation, make it a point to talk with
everyone there at some point, do your part.
7. Don't overstay your welcome -- no matter how much you're enjoying
yourself. Use your intuition. You may've been told 2-5, or just "come around
8", but your host and/or hostess will give off nonverbal signals when it's
time for you to go home. Why leave? You had a nap, got your nails done,
watched the football game. They've been cooking and cleaning for days.
8. Pitch in in an unobtrusive way. Empty some ash trays, clear off the
coffee table of used dishes, whisk your hosts' kid off to the bathroom, pass
around a plate of hot hors d'oeuvres.
9. Say good-bye. Even if it's a large gathering, seek out the host and/or
hostess and tell them good bye, and thank them!
10. Send a written thank-you note afterwards. It's just a nice thing to do!
About the Author
Susan Dunn is a professional coach who helps clients get their lives going!
Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc
for free
ezine. Visit her on the web at
www.susandunn.cc. |
