The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man by Brett Mckay, Kate Mckay Read Free Book Online

to speak on.
    Do wait for someone to finish speaking before adding to the conversation. Nothing is quite so rude as the man who cuts off others to get a word in.
    Mi Casa Es Su Casa: Showing True Hospitality
    The ability to show hospitality has been a measure of one’s character across cultures and time. Hospitality goes beyond providing simple room and board; it involves making your guest feel comfortable, welcome and at home. Following a few simple guidelines will ensure your guest’s visit will be a happy memory they will have forever.
    Be on time to pick up your guest. No one wants to stand at the airport like a dope with no one to greet them. Make your guest’s first impression of their trip a pleasant one by being there to warmly greet them as soon as they arrive.
    Stock up on tasty treats. Your guest is on vacation; they want to relax and eat delicious belly timber . Don’t leave them at your house with only an old jar of mayo in the fridge. Make sure there’s plenty of snacks to be had.
    Make your abode as clean and pleasant as possible. After a long trip, there’s nothing like stepping into a host’s inviting home. You may not mind living in a mess, but that’s no condition in which to have a guest. Make sure the guest room is particularly hospitable with an inviting bed and clean sheets. Even if your guest is sleeping on the couch, make the couch look cozy and comfortable.
    Cook for your guest. Preparing food for your guest is an ancient rite of hospitality. It doesn’t matter if you’re not much of a chef, the effort is what counts. And always make breakfast for your guest on the first morning of their stay. There’s something quite welcoming about waking up to a home-cooked meal.
    Plan interesting activities for your guest. You want your guest to have a memorable visit and the best possible time while they are with you. Show them all your favorite spots and take them on all your favorite excursions. But also research some activities you know will particularly appeal to your guests and their interests. Even if you cannot accompany your guests on these sightseeing trips, give them a list of ideas, maps, directions and everything else they need to go out and enjoy themselves.
    Never act imposed upon. Every guest worries a bit that they are imposing on you. There’s never a need to magnify this insecurity. Always act as though you could not be more pleased that your guest is staying with you. You shouldn’t have to fake such a sentiment; while you may experience moments of annoyance, keep in mind that such visits are infrequent and that your guest will soon enough be returning to their distant locale.
    How to Be the Perfect Houseguest
    “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.”
    —Theodore Roosevelt
    Just as a host has important hospitality responsibilities, the proper guest has certain rules to keep as well. Hospitality is a gift and it should be accepted graciously. Here’s how to show your gratitude and make your stay a welcome and pleasant one.
    Send money for groceries. If your stay will be an extended one, and your host will be paying for your food while you stay, send a check ahead of your visit to cover the cost of groceries. If you wait to offer dough until you are there, your host will inevitably turn down the offer out of politeness. So just mail a check before your trip with a note about how excited you are to be coming. If your visit will be short, take your host out to dinner and pay for the meal instead.
    Show up on time. If you tell your host that you’re going to come in on Wednesday morning, show up at that time. If you’re running late, make sure to call ahead and update your host on when you’ll be arriving.
    Bring a gift . To show your appreciation for the free lodging, bring a gift. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. Baked goods, flowers, bottles of wine or unique gifts from your home state are always appreciated.
    Figure 1.19 To show your appreciation for