my guest, suit yourself

Question

There are two expressions that I've heard many times but am still unclear what they really mean:

"Be my guest" and "Suit yourself"

For example,

Mary: OK, let me try to convince her.

James: Be my guest/Suit yourself.

Lee: I'll take a walk and will be right back.

Marc: Be my guest/Suit yourself

Could you explain what each expression means and help me distinguish them?

Thanks in advance!

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

Basically they mean the same:  "Do as you think best//see fit//want, I won't stop you!"

BarbaraPA · Answer

Well, to my mind, if I say "suit yourself" I'm saying "I don't think it's a good idea." It's a lot less gracious than "be my guest."

Do you mind if I help myself to some more coffee?
Oh please! Be my guest.

Marius Hancu · Answer

Be my guest at trying something risky ... (so: do what you want, but don't complain afterwards ...)

this is how I hear it, for whatever reasons ...

New2grammar · Answer

Thanks, Everyone. Marius Hancu, are you saying 'be my guest' has negative connotation to it? So relating it to GG's coffee example, the host doesn't offer his/her guest coffee sincerely, do I understand it correctly?

Feebs11 · Answer

In GG's example,. the host has not offered coffee at all. The guest has helped him/herself without being invited to do so.

my guest, suit yourself

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