Epic house parties are staples of American culture and entertainment. For party throwers, guest quality can make or break the bash. No one wants to break up fights or deal with belligerent drunks when trying to relax and have a good time! Avoid these terrible party fouls to make the party epic for all.
Identifying the Worst Guest Behavior
A study conducted by RTA Outdoor Living sought to identify the worst party behaviors, helping you be the life of the party while avoiding the most significant social faux pas. The team surveyed over 3000 Americans from across the country to identify which states have the best and worst party guests and determine which behaviors party throwers deem “the worst.”
Guarantee an invite by avoiding unscrupulous behavior that party throwers despise.
The Biggest Party Fouls
Bad party guests ruin the festivities. Here are the biggest party fouls identified in the survey, plus a few I remember from back in my college days!
Avoid these horrible party behaviors!
Stealing
Don’t go to someone’s house and steal their stuff. That should be common sense, but over 30% of survey respondents said stealing at house parties is an all-too-common problem.
Respect your house and their things. A party isn’t an excuse to take things that aren’t yours.
Belligerence
Angry drunks ruin the party for everyone. Nearly 29% of respondents said belligerence is the biggest party foul.
It makes sense, the party is basically over when someone starts angrily screaming at everyone around them. Don’t be that guy.
Not Holding Your Alcohol
Although the people who responded to the survey only pointed out belligerence, that’s not the only party foul associated with too much booze.
Don’t get sloppy drunk or blackout drunk. And please don’t drink so much that you need medical assistance.
Causing Damage
Party throwers deal with a lot, but they shouldn’t have to deal with a destroyed home. Unfortunately, about 27% of party throwers found damage, and 12% said guests broke something expensive.
Don’t ruin someone’s stuff. If they’re kind enough to invite you over, be kind in return and respect their space.
And Withholding It
Accidents happen, especially when drinking is involved. If a host is throwing a house party, they should expect a little rowdiness.
It’s not so much that something got broken, but the fact that nobody said anything. If you do accidentally stumble and break something, tell your host. Own up to it. Offer to help pay for a replacement. Don’t ignore it and place the financial burden entirely on your host.
Not Taking a “No”
Parties are places for meeting people, but not everyone wants to engage with you. Men ruin parties for women by refusing to acknowledge their “no”, making it uncomfortable for everyone.
If she doesn’t want to talk to you, take it with grace and move on.
Other Illegal Activities
Going to someone’s home and engaging in illegal or inappropriate behavior is the ultimate party foul. Don’t bring illicit substances to someone’s house. Don’t harass or assault other guests.
You shouldn’t be doing this stuff at all, but if you do, keep everyone else out of it.
How to Be the Ultimate Party Guest
In addition to showcasing the worst party behaviors, the research offers insight into how to have a blast while maintaining your friendships.
Outside of the above-reported behaviors we can all agree are awful, such as stealing, breaking things, and general drunken belligerence, here are three easy things you can do to ensure you’re never part of the 25% getting kicked out of the festivities!
Don’t Snoop
You may be surprised to learn that a full 1/3 of party guests snoop through something they shouldn’t. Guests rummage through hosts’ medicine cabinets and bedrooms uninvited, causing even the most trusting friends to raise eyebrows.
While at a party, mind your own business and keep your nose out of places that don’t concern you.
Clean Up After Yourself
Less than 60% of party guests clean up after themselves, leaving hosts to do the bulk of the heavy lifting. If you want to ensure you get an invite to the next big bash, be a great friend and give the host a hand.
Every little bit counts. Even cleaning up a simple spill and throwing your plates and glasses away can significantly impact the host. To be an even better guest, ask how you can help.
Don’t Bring Uninvited Guests
Nearly 30% of party throwers open the door to a depressing surprise: the uninvited guest. Although plus ones are often encouraged and expected, savvy invitees should check with the host before bringing anyone extra.
Planning a party is time-consuming and expensive, and many hosts prepare for a specific number of guests. Adding just one more to the mix can throw off the entire event. Guests should also consider that there may be a reason a particular individual didn’t get an invite. Perhaps they exhibited the poor behavior addressed here during the last party!
Have Fun!
Thankfully, the party fouls reported don’t preclude you from having a great time. It’s easy not to snoop, steal, or break stuff. Asking the host if you can bring a friend and throwing your trash away showcase your respect for the host.
In short, be a decent person, and you won’t have to worry about being shunned at the next gathering. Go forth and mingle, chit-chat, and make merry. Enjoy the delightful company of friends and family, secure in the knowledge that you’ll be invited back.