Hi,
Well, as someone who has been living as a PG (Paying Guest) for a better part of last 3 years, I daresay to be able to lay a claim about knowing what it takes to be a decent PG. Here are a few of my observations... Feel free to comment or contradict.
- Thou shalt be a Paying guest.
Money matters! And seriously… Pay the rent on time, no matter what. - Thou shalt be a paying Guest.
No matter how amiable your hosts are... never forget that fact that you are still a guest. Avoid publicly passing judgmental comments about people around you or offering unsolicited views & opinions about events that you may witness in the house. - Thou shalt respect their privacy.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't trespass on obviously off-limit premises... bedrooms, study-rooms, and kitchen (unless you are dining with them).
Once in a while, go off for a weekend, and inform them in advance. They would really welcome this respite from you ;-) - Live up to the trust.
Sometimes, your hosts would be away, leaving you in charge of the house. Avoid bringing over your buddies for overnight stay during your hosts absence. They are sure to find out from your neighbours. - … And expect the same in return!
If your hosts trespass your privacy, do not hesitate to object, in a mild manner. - Be a good companion.
The major driving force behind having someone as paying guest is financial gain, people also crave for something more. Try to be someone who is a pleasure to be around. If there are kids in the house, get them chocolates (…once in a while), if there are youngsters, discuss latest movies, matches (and career options) , discuss current affairs with landlord/land-lady, volunteer to get medications for the elderly (ensuring that they pay the bills!). If the family invites you out for a dinner/movie, accept graciously, and get something in the interval. If relatives of your host visit, and involve you in the talks, invite them to YOUR room and play host.
In short, do not be a moron holed up in your room all the while. - … But be aware of emotional complications.
Bear in mind that you would be staying with these people only for a while, so avoid getting emotionally involved with them... esp. if the family has someone your age and of opposite sex. - Use a minimum of shared resources.
TV, Computer, Bike... try to minimise sharing any of these. If you cannot live without one, invest and get one for yourself. - Indulge in your vices out of your PG room.
Smoking is bad. Smoking in your PG room is worse.
Same applies to alcohol consumption, tobacco-chewing.... and any other vices you may have. - Leave your PG room better than it was
When the day comes to bid adieu to your PG room, give a bit more than just the rent... an inexpensive wall-clock, a wall-piece... leave your memory behind.
