Annoyed when your guests put their feet on the furniture? Guests walking in without knocking? It seems the great British public have changed their ways when it comes to being polite in another’s home in this time of smartphones and selfies.
Here at Anglian Home Improvements, we’ve been investigating just what it means to be a house guest in the digital age, and it appears the etiquette is changing. So to avoid any 21st century faux pas, make sure you’re up to date with our Modern Etiquette Guide.
MODERN HOME ETIQUETTE
Jane invited John round to catch up on the latest episode of Orange is the New Black together, but the stream is constantly buffering. John is the culprit, watching cat videos on his phone. Despite being a considerate host, Jane regrets fulfilling John’s request for the Wi-Fi password as soon as he arrived, no matter how cute the cats may be. John is a bad guest for getting distracted instead of concentrating on the tense new series.
4
5
Bill has been chatting away to his friend Steve for the best part of an hour, but his phone is running low on battery and they’ve not even discussed the new Game of Thrones yet. Sensing this, Simon lends Bill his phone charger. Bill may be a rude guest, but Simon is certainly a good host.
6
7
Sally just loves to recline on the sofa, but Joseph just can’t stand her high heels on the plush sofa fabric. Now Sally is banished to sit on a pillow on the floor. Joseph calls it “Boho Style” to avoid hurting Sally’s feelings, Joseph is a good host.
8
9
John is at Phil’s house, to partake in the newest edition of FIFA. The phone rings, but John is sat closer to the receiver. Without warning, he pauses the game and answers Phil’s phone. John means well, but is sure not to be invited back any time soon.
10
11
The modern home features a variety of table manners. From breakfast-for-dinner to elbows on the table - traditional etiquette’s gone out the window. But staring at a screen from aperitif to digestif is still frowned upon – unless you’re Instagramming the fine cuisine.
12
13
John has invited Sam over for an evening of catching up and watching Netflix. After preparing the popcorn and readying the selfie stick, John is surprised to see Sam in the hallway despite not having heard the doorbell ring. Sam has strolled right in! John is regretting inviting Sam to movie night, as a guest should always wait to be invited in.
14
15