Staying overnight somewhere as an adult is a whole different ballgame. It’s not like crashing on your bestie’s couch in college — there are rules now. Well, maybe not rules, but definitely expectations.
Rule number one: respect the household routine. If your host’s up at six for coffee and quiet, maybe don’t binge-watch "Bridgerton" past midnight.
Also, remember their house isn’t a hotel. The living room isn’t the lobby, and the kitchen isn’t “Iron Chef: Guest Edition.” Keep your footprint light.
Don’t expect your hosts to play tour guide, either. Make a few plans of your own — bonus points if you invite them along for something fun.
Clean up after yourself, obviously. If you don’t know where the recycling goes, ask. And when you’re packing up, make sure you actually pack up — overstaying your welcome is only cute in rom-coms.
Finally, show some gratitude. Bring a small gift, pick up a tab, or at least send a nice thank-you text after you leave. The goal? Get invited back — not quietly blocked the next time you visit town.
More overnight guest etiquette guidelines from Martha Stewart HERE!
Photo by RDNE Stock project