The One Word You Should Never Say to Guests in Your Home

We all work so hard to make our homes beautiful, relaxing spaces where we can host our friends and family. So what if I told you that by merely uttering one little word, you could derail all the positive, beautiful attributes of your home in the eyes of your guests? Please, I beg you, never say this!

“Sorry about the mess.” “Sorry it’s so hot in here.” “Sorry, we’re out of milk.” Sound familiar?

Listen up — your home is yours to do with as you please. Not only is there no need to apologize for the state of your space, but doing so will also only cause people to notice the very thing you just pointed out!

Picture this: You’re walking into a friend’s home for the first time and, just as you begin to admire her perfect wall color or her great armoire, she says, “Sorry about all those dishes in the sink.” What’s the very next thing you’re gonna look at? Those dirty dishes in the sink!

Saying sorry also puts your guest in an awkward spot and they may feel compelled to play along with the script and reply “It’s ok!” or “Doesn’t bother me,” or “You should see my place.”

So come on, folks. Focus your attention on what you love about your home and your guests will too. Instead of apologizing for what’s wrong with your space, try pointing out something you love as you’re welcoming guests. A line that’s worked for us in the past: “Oh, Christine, I’ve been wanting to show you this pie safe! I found it an antique store and it reminded me of that cabinet you have!” Of course the pie safe could be replaced with cool mugs, cake stand, chairs, whatever!

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Never (Ever!) Say This Word To Guests In Your Home