Monday Manners: The Houseguest

If you've been reading anything by this Phillyist editor, you know that she's been in the process of moving over the last few weeks. While in between apartments, Phillyist HQ has been temporarily located at the apartment of a friend.

We've all been here. Staying rent-free for a week or a month at the home of a kind-hearted friend who's simply too nice to say no and doesn't know what she's getting herself into. It can be because you're coming in from another city, you're waiting for your new place to be ready, or you're going through a bad breakup or you just can't stand living with your folks anymore. Whatever the cause, your stuff is cluttering up your friend's living room, your food is filling up the freezer, and your cosmetics are all over the bathroom. No matter how much your presence is annoying your friend, you get to stay. And you're not allowed to help pay rent or to pick up the utilities. So, what can you do to show your friend your appreciation?

Well, for starters, you should clean up after yourself. Even if everything you own is at your friend's place, you should try to keep it consolidated in one area and not strewn about all over the apartment or house. If you use the shower, don't leave your towels on the floor. If you use the stove, make sure you wipe up the sauce that splattered. If you drink a cup of coffee, wash the mug or put it in the dishwasher, don't just leave it sitting in the sink.

You can also make yourself useful around the house. Take out the trash. Mop the bathroom floor. Vacuum. Hell, do the windows. If you're going to do a load of laundry, offer to throw some of your friend's laundry in the wash, too. Run errands. Make dinner.

And be sure to do something nice to say "thanks" when you're getting ready to leave. Wash the sheets you've been sleeping on and make the bed anew. Leave flowers. Make plans for dinner at your friend's favorite restaurant, or promise to make dinner as soon as you're settled in at your new place. It's what all good guests do.

Next Week, Monday Manners will discuss slightly more permanent living situations.

Image via The Z Review