Is it rude to look inside someone else's refrigerator you've never met when they say to make yourself at home?

Question

A friend and I were over another friend's house and his mom told us to make ourselves at home but we had never been in her house before and just met her despite knowing our friend previously. I thought that was rude, but I might be just too sensitive... so what do you think?

Answer 1

I think that looking inside the frig and poking around is stepping out of line. Make yourself at home is more like saying relax, no one is gonna bite you.  There is nothing more uncomfortable then having people act all tense in your home.  But don't go through there things! Even if it is the frig.

Answer 2

Never assume what that means "make yourself at home"

I mean sit down, relax, when i say that.  i still would expect a nice  person to ask for a drink or to use the bathroom.  They may say go help your self to the fridge. but, really they should show u where to get a glass or where the powder room is when you ask.

Answer 3

HA HA!

Answer 4

it depnds because i had this one friend who's parents got pissed if you went and got water

Answer 5

It really depends on the family. Try to get a feel for what kind of people they are. I don't think that most people would mind, though.

Answer 6

look in their bathroom cabinet too and see what medication they take.

Answer 7

that was totaly rude,if someone was to do that at my house,i would definately mention it.

Answer 8

It's rude, and the Mother or friend should

have been asked for a drink, or something

to eat.

Answer 9

It's not rude to look in there refrigerator. You should have made a big honking sandwich as well. Make yourself at home means just that. Taking the newspaper into the crapper with you would be excessive though. Just use your judgment when a person says make yourself at home. I say have at it, food, drink, TV remote go for it.

Answer 10

To be told to "make yourself at home," is a social convention.  It is not meant to be taken literally.  Usually, it is safest to assume you can find yourself a comfortable place to sit, but not much more.

You have overstepped the bounds of politesse if you help yourself to a host's refrigerator without specifically being invited to get something to eat or drink for yourself.

Do not presume.  You should always wait for your host to offer you something to eat or drink.  Even then, remember that it's not your home, so such an invitation does not give you license to indulge yourself as if you were at home and eating things you bought yourself.

If you are showing up at someone's house when you know it will be mealtime, don't show up empty-handed.  It is always proper to bring your host a gift.  It can be beverage, such as a bottle of wine, or even a side dish or appetizer (chips, dip, etc.), if you know other people will also be gathering.

Answer 11

No. Unless they hide a dead body in the refrigerator.

Answer 12

If its your first time in a home then yes it is. Don't beat yourself up though. She probably didn't mind but next time, don't do it

Answer 13

well...i guess not...only if you have their permission.

Answer 14

ask the friend if they could suggest a snack, just feel carefully. Usually when someone says that, they're being terribly polite. Don't go overboard.

Answer 15

Saying "make yourself at home," is definitely protocol.

I would not assume by them saying that, the the opportunites are endless.

Feel out the family, see how easy going they are, if all else fails... just ask your friend to get you something.