Just when we thought social media and the sharing ethos were beginning to break down traditional attitudes towards travel, holiday accommodation and life in general, the elite etiquette guide publisher Debrett’s has thrown its hat into the ring.
The historic firm – best known for what some may (politely) refer to as an excruciatingly stuffy and overbearing guide to British manners – has teamed up with Airbnb to produce an online guide to home-sharing.
According to Airbnb: “People are experiencing a level of social awkwardness when it comes to navigating modern social etiquette.” The company even conducted research into the matter finding that 68% of the British public think social etiquette is on the decline.
“The traditional guidelines about having guests to stay, and the behaviour that is expected of them, are being challenged by the myriad ways in which we open our doors and share our homes,” explains Debrett’s in the introduction. “This guide sets out a code of behaviour for home-sharers and reminds us that the basic rules remain the same, whatever the situation, and should always be respected.”
Of course, it goes without saying that the guide manages to frequently conflate the problems caused by children and animals in the same sentence. Hosts are reminded to: “Look carefully at the behaviour of your children and dogs and try objectively to understand the effect they have on other people.” Adding: “Then do your utmost to ensure that any negative impact is minimised.”
Likewise, guests are told that, on arrival, “Introductions must be made to all members of their party, including babes in arms and dogs. Small children and dogs should be held back and discouraged from charging into the house before they’re invited to do so.”
Other advice – perhaps obvious even to those not blessed with a double-barrelled surname – includes: “Be Punctilious about Punctuality.” In other words, don’t be late … and do take your shoes off if they are muddy.
The bathroom is highlighted as a particular area of awkwardness (or, if you prefer, imbroglio) for host families and guests. Leaving a bathroom as you found it is so vital that: “Guests should conduct a brief, forensic examination before unlocking the bathroom door.”
Debrett’s is also at hand for essential advice, such as:don’t shout between corridors, play loud music or clomp up and down stairs.
What the guide fails to acknowledge, however, is that social expectations vary around the world; even the most well-to-do host in the UK should understand that a visitor may have different attitudes towards space, dining and conversation (and may not have watched Downton Abbey). If staying in homes around the world teaches us anything, it is that you should let go of your own pretensions.
According to Debrett’s: “Etiquette is as relevant now as it’s ever been …”
Well, they would say that.
