Is it unhealthy to visit people empty-handed?

 

Growing up, my mother always told us it's bad manners to visit people empty-handed.

Every time she went to visit a friend or relative, she always had something for them. She said it did not have to be expensive but it was courteous

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We had this conversation one time with a friend and she said if you expect to eat at a person's house, then it's courteous enough to carry something. 

"If you expect someone to feed and entertain you at their expense in their home, it only makes sense to go bearing a gift," she said.

"The gift is not payment, but courteous. Even a bunch of bananas or a lollipop for the child of the family would do. It shows that you appreciate your host."

Here is what some people had to say:

Ruby Muhindi said it depends on who is visiting. She said if one of her friends is visiting her and she is struggling, then she would not expect them to bring anything with them.

"It depends on the kind of friendship. Some people will not have a problem considering the situations and financial status in which this friend is visiting," she said.

She added if it was a hospital setup, it's only fair to carry something with you like fruits.

"If you are visiting your parents and other relatives, and you have money to buy fruits, it's only fair that you don't walk in empty-handed," Ann said.

"It’s not a matter of necessity, it’s a matter of being courteous."

Grace said, "When you carry something, it means you appreciate the invite and it's just an act of kindness."

She added that if it's not an emergency then one should make it a habit.

Hilda however felt there was no problem visiting empty-handed and said she wouldn't feel bad if a person visited her empty-handed.

From the conversation, it's safe to say people should do what they think is right or what their parents taught them.    BY THE STAR