You're Welcome!
— a survey about about making people feel welcome

Response: #1
Received: Jan 7, 1999 16:49 ET

What are the techniques of making people feel welcome?

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?
Take a moment to write your thoughts, and we'll all learn how it's done.

I always make sure to put down whatever I am doing when someone shows up for an unexpected visit. Even if they didn't come expressly to see me but to see the family in general. Also, always invite the guest to stay for the next meal. Also, I find an untidy house to be very unwelcoming, especially if I was invited over.

Response: #2
Received: Feb 11, 1999 20:06 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I feel most welcome when those whom I am talking to are interested in what I have to say. They don't cut me off or give their attention to anyone or anything that has interrupted our conversation. I also feel at ease when the host makes an effort to see that I am comfortable and having a good time. When I feel akward, I really appreciate it when someone reassures me with his/her actions or words. If someone doesn't I feel embarassed and I just want to leave.

Response: #3
Received: Mar 9, 1999 16:42 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I always feel welcome when someone offers me a seat or a drink. It also helps that they aren't doing some small task like talking on the phone or watching a television show when I walk in the door. It makes me feel like I only have part of their attention.

Response: #4
Received: Mar 10, 1999 07:53 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

A cheery smile, a certain obvious warmth and a l'le of frankness... that' it! if i'm not welcome (for mebbe many a reasons), i'm told frank and not made to get the mssg... somehow. It's too simple... joy if ya get THAT welcome!

Response: #5
Received: Mar 14, 1999 14:15 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

If someone wants to let me know that I'm welcome, all they have to do is talk to me. If I'm ignored in a crowd, I feel unwelcome.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #6
Received: Apr 28, 1999 14:24 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

When someone actually listens to me i feel welcome. But when a person only listens for their turn to talk i feel very disrespected. When a person acts like you are a part of the family even if you arent it makes you feel like they want you around. I usually ask people if they need anything, and let them know if they need to get a drink or something to eat they are welcome to anything i have, and i make sure they are comfortable.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #7
Received: May 12, 1999 14:45 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I thnk it feels really good when I do something dumb and the person comes back with a story even dumber just to make me feel better!!

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #8
Received: May 13, 1999 11:53 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I think it's a nice gesture when someone leaves your home after a visit that you either stand outside or in the open door until they leave/drive away. I was raised to do this, so I never thought anything about it. My husband has pointed this out to me and says that he believes I do this because it is a custom rooted in my Southern background. By lingering a bit - and not immediately shutting the door - you feel as though your hosts are not dying to get rid of you! I guess I learned this from my very Southern family.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #9
Received: May 13, 1999 22:23 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

come in and welcome

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #10
Received: May 25, 1999 18:17 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Sometimes Be genuine when offering any compliments or invitations. There's nothing worse than someone inviting you to come again when it's clear they are not being sincere. If you don't mean it - don't say it!

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #11
Received: Jun 1, 1999 12:36 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I feel welcome when one actually acts interested in who I am as a person

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #12
Received: Jun 11, 1999 16:33 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

This may sound silly, but I'm the most welcome at a friend's house even though her brothers are mean and often say very hurtful things. The reason is, that's how everyone in the house gets treated. At first I didn't know what to do because I thought it was a personal thing against me, but then I realized that they were just treating me like one of the family. I began firing back at thier sarcastic comments instead of running to Beth's room and now thier house is like my second home. I think the thing that makes me most welcome is just being treated like everyone else. I hate special treatment and I feel awkward and out of place when I get it.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #13
Received: Jul 2, 1999 15:48 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

special food looks happy to see you

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #14
Received: Jul 4, 1999 17:57 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

i think when you go to someones house and they say make yourself at home, that makes me feel welcome, or when they were expecting you and you get there early and they say in a nice way geeze i never thought you'd get here, (like in a manner of sayin i miss you or something) now i am only 14 and i guess most people would say well a 14 year old wouldnt know about feeling welcome or welcoming people, but when i want someone to feel welcome i go out of my way to make sure they are welcome, when i dont want someone to feel welcome which is very rare, they know it.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #15
Received: Jul 8, 1999 17:11 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

when they lisson to me expcilly to all my problems and complants when someone doesn't tone me out when I'm talking nonsence/ ramblang on about something

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #16
Received: Jul 10, 1999 18:34 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

... remembering how I "take my coffee" ... ... when I'm offered one of the more comfortable seats ... [or] THE most comfortable seat/chair ... a Warm Hug

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #17
Received: Jul 12, 1999 03:52 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

When someone asks how I have been and how may day has been. That lets you know that they are interested in what you have to say.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #18
Received: Aug 27, 1999 13:53 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Smiles from strangers.... Asking a little about personal life in the work place always makes you feel a little more comfortable.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #19
Received: Sep 18, 1999 16:20 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

A simple, "Hi, come and join us." works for me. I never feel included or welcomed until someone smiles and beckons.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #20
Received: Sep 30, 1999 23:26 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

A smile A warm hug Excitement in a person's eye's New sheets purchased just because I was coming for a visit. Buying foods that I lkie and that a person knows that I like Windchimes Things pre-arranged just for me and laid out where I can see them first thing. When people greet me at my car instead of waiting for me to come to the door (this from family and close friends). Being met at airport or bus station, it's always great to know that someone is waiting for you.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #21
Received: Oct 1, 1999 20:20 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

being offered a place to sit down and a drink. not made to feel that my children are not welcomed.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #22
Received: Oct 25, 1999 17:19 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Smile at people and don't look them up and down. Staring is so rude, I can't even begin to describe how people feel when other people look at them like they are trash.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #23
Received: Oct 27, 1999 17:42 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

When people mumble a you`re welcome or say no problem, I know they put way too much effort into something and obviously don`t think I was worth it. No problem to me is a way of saying, `Yeah I did it this time, but don`t expect it again.`` I also think that a mumbled your welcome can mean the exact same thing. Then again both of those answers can be a sign of low self confidence.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #24
Received: Oct 31, 1999 18:08 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

When people say hi to you when you arrive at a place...whether it is a resturant or a friends house. But one most also realize that if alot is going on then a hello may not be possible until later on. One should make themselves feel welcome and important where they are.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #25
Received: Nov 9, 1999 16:10 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

My stepmother always makes a point of mentioning how much she loves to have company whenever anyone stops by to see her it makes you want to come again.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #26
Received: Nov 16, 1999 02:16 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

If the air is just pleasant when you walk in, like you don't feel you have to ask anything. You can feel comfortable doing anything and nobody will yell at you. You ask for something and someone says, Gee, you didn't have to ask, help yourself, feel at home!

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #27
Received: Nov 17, 1999 12:21 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Making people feel welcome in one's home takes a lot of effort. Many people are not aware of how to do this or even that they should be doing it. I find that no matter how many times you tell your guests "Help yourself!!" that some don't feel comfortable with this act. It is important to then treat them as you would like to be treated: offer and deliver a beverage, give them the most comfortable chair, take their coats. They must be made to feel relaxed and that their comfort is important to you. Listen to them when they talk. Don't abandon them for longer than it takes to use the restroom. If you have to leave for a bit longer, invite them along. Never ever leave them sitting alone while you chat on the phone or with your spouse in the kitchen. Basically, make it clear you enjoy their company.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #28
Received: Nov 20, 1999 11:53 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

As you syayed previously,I to felt unwelcome alot when I was younger,so I try to make everyonr feel welcome when they come to my home. I always have the spare bedroom ready for any unexpected overnighters. Along with this I have fresh flowers and a T.V guide in the room next to the t.v.I always keep a drawer in the bathroom with an extra varity of unopen shampoos,conditioners,bath salts,razors,toothbrushes... Besides all that thought I just try to be myself and try not to ask from them anything diffrent than themselves.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #29
Received: Dec 8, 1999 11:45 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

What makes me feel welcome is when people come up to me first without me haveing to go up and introduce myself first. I'm not a very shy person but I also don't like to introduce myself rirst when I visit someplace.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #30
Received: Dec 9, 1999 15:07 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Upon first meeting, it's seems most welcoming when eye-to-eye contact is made and facial expressions such as concern or humor are expressed to indicate that communication is active. ....

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #31
Received: Jan 19, 2000 01:59 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

A friendly greeting at the door. To have others at the house notice you with some kind of greetings. ....

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #32
Received: Jan 27, 2000 18:24 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

When someone approaches me and initiates a conversation, especially if I don't know anyone in the group.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #33
Received: Feb 22, 2000 15:01 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I have a friend who lives her life with or without me. When she has other appointments and I am visiting at her house, she leaves the house to me. This can make me feel a little uncomfortable but yet, if I am there to get away, it truly makes me respect her and appreciate her. She gives me my space and then spends as much time with me that she can. There is food left in the cabinets and refrigerator, and it just is nice to feel 'at home'.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #34
Received: Feb 26, 2000 17:29 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I feel welcome when people treat me to things. If im gonna feel welcome somewhere the host better give me the red carpet treatment. The host must take me places, formal dinners, social events, everywhere on HIS tab. That is what makes ME feel welcome.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #35
Received: Mar 9, 2000 17:00 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Hi, we're glad you can be with us! Stay as long as you like. Be sure to come back and see us whenever you're in town. Here's your favorite table...have a seat and I'll be right back...coffee...Right??? When a waiter or waitress remembers you and what you drink...or even the manager remembers you...to me that makes me feel important, because of being a regular customer. Also, department stores...sales clerks...remembering who you are when you go into the store...that's important, because you'll keep going back because of the service and treatment you get. I like that...I used to work as a customer service representative...I treat people the same way I expect to be treated. Nice, fairly, and pleasantly...I learned respect for others...no matter what. I learned from my parents.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #36
Received: Mar 11, 2000 21:07 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #37
Received: Mar 29, 2000 08:30 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

I feel welcome when I don't feel tenseness in a room. I know when I am not welcom though without even being told. I think it is a gut instinct in a way. I definitely don't feel welcomed when I am with another couple without my boyfriend.

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name:

Response: #38
Received: Apr 20, 2000 16:05 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

allow them [guests] to be quiet if they prefer

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

someone taught me

Response: #39
Received: Apr 29, 2000 12:34 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

[When my host says]... I feel much better when you are around. I miss you already and you have not left yet! can you come over I need a friend to talk to!

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

Response: #40
Received: Jul 1, 2000 22:33 ET

What works for you? What has made you feel welcome?

When I'm speaking with someone, and someone else approaches them, but the person with whom I am speaking continues to focus on me--doesn't allow us to be interrupted--that makes me feel wonderful!

Did you discover this yourself? Or were you taught this?

discovered it myself

It's ok if you give my name: