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"Even though Thanksgiving is over and you're back on campus studying for finals, there's an even bigger vacation in your very near future: winter break. And this time around, you might be trying something different by spending part of it with a friend's\u2014or maybe even your significant other's\u2014family. Nervous? Don't be. But because you definitely do want to make a good impression and score an invite back, we have a few tips for how to be the best houseguest ever.\n\nDo your homework.\n\n Ask your friend about his or her family before you head over. Find out what their parents do and what their siblings' interests are so you have a few good questions to ask when you meet them. A little head start when it comes to making conversation (and avoiding any awkward silences at the dinner table!) can go a long way. On the flip side, you might also want to find out about any dislikes so you don't inadvertently do or say something that's offensive to your hosts.\n\nAnd don't show up empty-handed!\n\n Whether you're just dropping by for dinner or staying the weekend, make sure you arrive with a gift. You don't have to spend a lot at all; it really is the thought that counts. You can go the creative route by finding a gift based on something like your hosts' hobbies, but flowers or homemade treats are surefire hits, too. This is all about starting your stay on the right foot!\n\nYes, expect to sleep alone.\n\n Okay, this one is specifically for when visiting your girlfriend or boyfriend's house. While you might have basically moved into each other's dorm rooms back at school, the family home is a whole other playing field. While some parents are pretty liberal (or just short on space), you should go into the situation expecting to sleep separately. Respect your hosts' wishes and don't make a big deal out of it. You'll score major points by playing by the rules, plus you can certainly handle a little alone time.\n\nHelp out and clean up!\n\n Make yourself useful. Always offer to help with work in the kitchen, be it meal preparation or cleanup; if someone's running errands or doing housework, offer to pitch in. Most likely your hosts will say absolutely not, but the gesture will make a positive impression. And even if you're not allowed to help out around the house, you can certainly keep the room you're staying in (and the bathroom you're using!) tidy. Make your bed, hang your towels neatly, don't throw clothes on the floor\u2014basically, don't leave a mess for that someone else's parents have to clean up.\n\nHang time is essential.\n\n We know you probably have fun plans in mind with your friend (or boyfriend or girlfriend), but their parents want to spend time with them too\u2014and if they've invited you over, they also want to get to know you. Make sure to check with them about what they have scheduled before making your own plans. Other common guest courtesies: not staying out too late and making sure you wake up at a decent time.\n\nBe smart, social media-wise.\n\n We know that Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are a part of your daily routine, but for this trip, take a break. Don't refresh your feed at the dinner table or during family game time\u2014in fact, you might want to leave your phone in your room to avoid any temptation. Also, unless your hosts explicitly give you permission, don't post photos of their house and most definitely do not tag their address in a post.\n\nThank you's mean a LOT.\n\n Even if you brought a gift upon your arrival, it's always polite to send a thank you after you leave. Emails are nice too, but parents sure do love a handwritten note Thank them for their hospitality and mention specifics that made your trip special. Warm fuzzies all around, not to mention this is an excellent way to snag that repeat invitation."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-be-a-good-houseguest>