The last-minute, first-time exchangers from Quebec came close to changing our "yes" into a "no" as they began asking to add lots of teenagers to their guest list. The message I took away from dealing with them is that it's a big favor to ask someone for a last-minute exchange so don't push your luck by asking to have twice the number of guests originally proposed, then asking again to add another couple of teenagers unrelated to the rest of the party.
In general, treat any request you make of swap partners as a favor. Be polite and even apologetic if you ask to double or triple your original guest list. The exchange home is not really yours, even temporarily. Whether the owners are there or not, you are still a guest in their home. If you behave exactly as you would if they were present you cannot go wrong.
How would you act if you were the guests of a family whose members were in the home with you? You would keep things clean. You would never bring over guests without advance permission. While in the home you would act within community standards so as to avoid antagonizing the neighbors (no loud parties or music). If you broke something you would report it and take responsibility for repairing or replacing it. Before leaving you would strip your bed and tidy any rooms you had used. Upon leaving you would present your hosts with a thank you note and a gift.
Your goal is to leave your hosts home in better condition than they left it. When they return home their thought should be "what great exchangers!" not "why did we let THEM use our place?"
Picture your host relaxing on the couch with you or sitting down to eat when you do. By keeping your exchange partners in mind during the exchange you will find yourself acting in ways that are sure to get you invited back to use their home again.
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