What is considered proper in someone elses home?

Question

ok you have friends over what kinds of things would you demand the ask for.

Answer 1

I'd play it by ear.  If they start doing things that are against the rules in your house, just say (wryly and with rolled eyes if you have to), "My parents don't let us do that here."

Answer 2

Your question is a little vague... I think you're asking what a polite person would not do without permission while in another's home, versus what a host would expect guests to do freely.

A guest should always ask before:

* Opening any doors, cabinets, drawers or windows, including the door to the back yard. An exception is the door to the bathroom, which is expected to be available to all.

* Entering any private room (such as bedroom or study) unless specifically invited. Guests should remain in the "public" rooms of the house (living room, kitchen). A possible exception is if there are several guests and the host has designated a specific room (typically a bedroom) as a place to put coats. Such a room then becomes part of the "public" area for that event.

* Removing clothing other than outerwear (such as shoes) - unless the host keeps the Eastern tradition of removing shoes when entering, in which case the guests ought to comply without reservation. Consider the host's house to be a public area, and do not remove anything you wouldn't take off in, say, a restaurant or grocery store, unless the host indicates that a more casual atmosphere is acceptable.

* Using the host's phone, stereo/sound system, television, or any appliance.

* Smoking.

* Picking up or moving any knickknacks, shelved books or decorations. As a guest, you don't know how fragile something may be, or its value (whether intrinsic or sentimental).

* Confining or releasing any pet.

* Answering the phone or door. It is certainly polite to offer to do so if the host is busy at the time, but do not just assume.

I'm sure there are more, but these I think are the basics.