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Theholiday seasonis the time of travel.
And not for vacations, but mostly to each others homes.
But just because its family doesnt mean we can play by our own rules with house guest etiquette.
They advise not to make your visit longer than three nights.
Lifestyle magazineSouthern Livinghas a couple of rules for house guests as well.
Guests also shouldnt bringunexpected guestsor pets if that wasnt communicated to the hosts earlier.
And when packing, they should also go light: heavy suitcases and overflowing totes will only inconvenience hosts.
TV host Samantha Brown says that house guests shouldnt make the hosts cater to their every whim.
Never be that guest that makes your host regret agreeing to be a host.
Practice flexibility and do not be demanding, sherecommends.
She and other etiquette experts emphasize the importance of informing the hosts of your arrival and departure times.
Be very clear when you are arriving and when you are leaving, Brown writes.
Give as clear an itinerary as you might.
A 2022 surveyshowedthat Americans tolerate less than four hours with their family.
After that, many would prefer to have at least a short break.
At least, thats what therapist Louise Tyler suggests to her patients.
Have realistic expectations, for one its just one day, shetold Stylist.
Its difficult, but we have to set firm boundaries withfamily memberswe have difficult relationships with.
Its OK to limit visits, Tyler went on.
Its OK to leave early; Its OK to step away.
Its OK to say no to invitations.
Psychiatrist and behavioral medical director at Scripps Thomas C. Lian, MD,recommendshaving realistic expectations, too.
Minimize your contact with difficult relatives, and spend more time interacting with people you like, he emphasized.
Interestingly, more and more people are choosing to spend the holidays without their families.
Instead, people are making new traditions with friends and even neighbors.
Check out the results:
