How do we share with our friends and family our passion about HomeExchange? Sometimes it is so difficult to make them believe that we trust strangers and give our house to people we donāt know at allā¦ Well, almost at allā¦ Profiles and reviews are a basis, but sometimes they are not enough. What I have learned through HomeExchange and what it can give back to the world is trust. In Humanism. In all the good that is out there and builds bridges between strangers. So, how do you share your trust in travelling through HomeExchange with others?
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Interesting subject Valia! I usually ask my friends how they would behave if they were left alone in a friendās or neighbourās home. Would they start looking through the private cupboards etc? Would they be disrespctful of the home? They usually reply that āof course notā. So I tell them that I put the same trust in my guests and have never had any problems. Before my guests arrive I always strike up a āfriendshipā with them by chatting about their upcoming trip, sending them information and leaving them a welcoming home.
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We have promoted Home Exchange to dozens of friends and family over the years and the most common reaction is fear - yes, fear. Itās a sad commentary on modern society, I suppose.
However, it doesnāt stop us from continuing to promote the idea of community and trust, as you suggest. Cathy and I have enjoyed lasting friendships from home exchanges both as hosts and as guests. Itās a wonderful vehicle for exploring other cultures and we always find that people everywhere are nice, not just to us, but simply are nice people, and I think thatās something worth cherishing.
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As an exchanger since 2007, I have had the opportunity to speak to many people about this resource. The most frequent question/concern is regarding sleeping in someone elseās bed. This is always odd to me since sleeping in a hotel bed isnāt any different. I donāt believe home exchanging is for everyone but feel like most people would appreciate this resource once they tried it. There is an overall distrust of having āstrangersā in your home and I agree with other posters that developing a friendship prior to an exchange and caring about the experience of the other person is important. Communication and expectations are key.
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So true!
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.Absolutely!
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