If you clean before guests arrive, psychologists say you probably have these four common personality traits

There’s a good chance that at some stage in your life, a visitor has turned up at your home unannounced and you’ve been forced to welcome them inside before you’ve had the chance to clean, or at least tidy up a little.

For most of us, that can make us feel uneasy, although there are undoubtedly some people out there who don’t care all that much.

While it might seem like simple common sense and good manners, psychologists - at the risk of reading far too much into it - believe that a bit of vacuuming or dusting before guests arrive can actually say a few things about the personality traits you possess.

Empathy

Making sure your home is in a decent state when others come around, say experts, is a sign of thoughtfulness and empathy, which helps build mutual trust. If you put yourself in your guest’s shoes, you’d probably prefer not to visit a messy home, so this is a way of offering them the same courtesy.

Emotional balance and self-regulation

Cleaning can also be good for the soul, apparently. Having a tidy house puts your mind at ease, reduces stress, and can even serve as an outward reflection of your inner harmony.

Social awareness and authenticity

Spending a little time getting your home ready for visitors is also a way of showing social awareness and letting your guest know they’re important to you. Visitors often thank their hosts for their hospitality, and part of being hospitable is offering comfort and warmth, something a clean and tidy home naturally provides.

Respect and kindness

It may sound like the same thing in slightly different words, but psychologists claim a quick tidy-up is also a way of showing respect to your guests. That respect is often reciprocated, strengthening the relationship between host and visitor.

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