When someone invites you into their home, they’re letting you into their personal space. Most people don’t mean to be rude when they’re visiting, but some little habits can still rub a host the wrong way.

Being a good houseguest really comes down to respecting the home, the people who live there, and their usual routines. You don’t need to memorize a long list of rules. A little awareness can go a long way.

Whether you’re stopping by for a few hours or spending the night, here are 15 things you should avoid doing in someone else’s home.

Wear Shoes Without Asking

Some people don’t care if guests wear shoes indoors, while others want outdoor shoes left at the door. Since you won’t always know which type of household you’re walking into, it’s better to ask.

A quick “Shoes off?” when you arrive takes a second and saves you from making an awkward assumption.

Use Your Phone at the Dinner Table

Checking a message here and there is one thing. Sitting at the table scrolling through your phone while everyone else is talking is another.

If your host has cooked a meal and everyone has gathered around the table, try to stay part of the conversation. Put the phone away for a while unless you’re expecting an important call or message.

Wander Into Private Rooms

You might be curious about the rest of the house, but that doesn’t mean every room is open for guests.

Bedrooms, home offices, closets, and other closed-off areas are usually private for a reason. Stick to the rooms your host has invited you to use. If you’re looking for something, ask rather than going searching on your own.

Help Yourself to Food or Drinks Without Asking

Even if your host has told you to make yourself at home, that doesn’t always mean opening every cabinet or digging through the refrigerator.

There may be food they’re saving for dinner, drinks they bought for another occasion, or ingredients they’ve set aside for a recipe. If you’re hungry or want something to drink, just ask. Most hosts would rather tell you where to find something than wonder why items are suddenly missing.

Arrive Empty-Handed

You don’t need to show up with an expensive gift every time someone invites you over. A small gesture can still be a nice way to thank your host.

Flowers, dessert, coffee, or a bottle of wine can work, depending on the occasion and the person. Even bringing something simple shows that you appreciate being invited.

Start Eating Before the Host

If everyone is waiting for the host to sit down, don’t start digging in just because your food has arrived.

Wait until the host gives everyone the go-ahead or starts eating themselves. It’s a small thing, but it keeps the meal from feeling rushed.

Refuse to Try the Food

You don’t have to eat something that you’re allergic to or genuinely can’t have. Dietary restrictions are a different matter entirely.

But if you simply don’t think you’ll like something, taking a small taste can be a polite way to acknowledge the effort your host put into making it. You don’t have to pretend it’s your favorite dish. A simple “Thank you for making this” goes a long way.

Put Your Feet on the Furniture

Your couch at home might be the perfect place to put your feet up, but don’t assume someone else feels the same way.

Keep your feet off couches, chairs, coffee tables, and other furniture unless your host makes it clear that they don’t mind. Some furniture can stain or wear down more easily than it looks.

Bring a Pet Without Permission

Your dog may be friendly, but that doesn’t mean your host is ready for a four-legged guest.

Someone in the house could have allergies, another pet could be territorial, or the host may simply not want an animal indoors. Always ask before bringing your pet along, even if they’ve met the pet before.

Leave the Bathroom Untidy

The bathroom is one of those places where a little courtesy goes a long way.

Flush the toilet, wipe up any water you leave around the sink, throw away your trash, and make sure you haven’t left personal items scattered around. It only takes a minute to leave the bathroom looking the way you found it.

Place Drinks Directly on Surfaces

Not every table is made to handle a wet glass sitting directly on it. Water rings can be surprisingly difficult to remove, especially from wood.

If you see coasters nearby, use one. If you’re not sure whether you should, ask. It’s an easy way to avoid accidentally damaging your host’s furniture.

Skip Washing Your Hands Before Eating

If you’re about to sit down for a meal, take a moment to wash your hands first. This is especially considerate when everyone is sharing food.

It takes very little time, and nobody wants to think about whether their dinner guest remembered to wash up before reaching for the serving spoon.

Criticize the Décor or Home

You may not love your host’s furniture, paint colors, decorations, or decorating style. That doesn’t mean you need to point it out.

People put time and money into their homes, and even a comment meant as a joke can hit the wrong way. If you don’t have something nice to say about the décor, there’s really no reason to bring it up.

Take Long or Loud Phone Calls in Shared Spaces

If you need to take a call, try not to turn the living room or dining table into your personal phone booth.

A loud conversation can quickly take over the room and make it difficult for everyone else to talk. Excuse yourself and step into another room if you need privacy. If the call will take a while, let your host know rather than disappearing for half an hour.

Fail to Offer Help — or Insist Too Much

There’s a middle ground between doing nothing and taking over the kitchen.

If your host is clearing the table or washing dishes, offer to help. If they say they’ve got it, accept the answer and let them handle it. Repeatedly insisting after someone has declined can be just as uncomfortable as never offering in the first place.

A simple “Want me to help with anything?” is usually enough.