Having people over for drinks, backyard parties or, most recently, Thanksgiving dinners can be one of the most enjoyable things in the world. Many of us love inviting visitors into our humble dwellings, and we always go the extra mile to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Fluffy pillows, soft lighting, scented candles, soothing music, you name it, making our guests feel at home tends to make us all happy and warm inside, too.
But some people may have a different idea of what being a respectful and courteous guest means. Then, it can do homeowners well to set some boundaries and stick to them from the get-go.
So to gain inspiration from people who firmly draw the line, Redditor cigarandcreamsoda reached out to fellow members of the 'Ask Reddit' community: "What is a non-negotiable rule in your house for everyone?" As the thread immediately became a hit, we at Bored Panda have gathered a list of some of the most interesting responses down below. Continue scrolling to check them all out, upvote the ones you agree with, and be sure to share your own unyielding house rules with us in the comments!
#1
I live alone with my dog. When my friends come over, they make comments about my dog being on my furniture or that he sleeps in the bed with me. It’s my house and my dog’s house. If they don’t like it, they can leave.
428points
#2
You don't get to hug my kids if they don't want to hug you. I don't care if you're the grandparent or what.
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423points
#4
If there is a cat on your lap, you don’t have to get up for any reason.
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349points
#5
Knock first! Bathroom, bedroom or study room. Knocking is a slowly forgotten art of respect.
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334points
#7
I have timid cats, leave them alone. If they come up to you, fine. Don't be chasing them around the house trying to pet them or pick them up. You won't be invited over ever again.
300points
#8
Don't f**k around with someone when they are asleep. If someone is asleep, they're off limits, no messing with/pranks and no waking up without good reason. It wasn't until talking to my friends who had siblings who would pile things on them, move the bed, wake them up in the middle of the night (just general sibling hijinks) And realised how important the 'leave sleeping family members alone' was in our house growing up
280points
#9
Don’t feed my dogs, anything. I don’t care how cute they are looking at you.
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261points
#13
Car doesn’t go in drive unless everyone has their seatbelts on.
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232points
#14
Nobody gets humiliated. For nothing. Joking around, banter, discussions, arguments, all fine. Humiliation, as in name calling, laughing down, patronising, unhelpful comments that just hurt and don't do anything else - no.
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229points
#18
One of the biggest rules is actually for when people are leaving my home, and it's a very simple one, "Text me when you get home safely."
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216points
#19
Noone gets in without at least 5 days of warning and an exact arrival time. I need to f*****g clean.
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204points
#20
If you pee on the toilet seat clean it up!!!
I am a single parent with 2 boys, I know I'm not the one peeing on the toilet seat but apparently they don't either.
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196points