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AIBU?

To not answer the door if I'm not expecting anyone?

66 replies

workwhatwork · 14/10/2013 13:40

I don't know why but something about the door going when I'm not expecting it makes me a little cross.

I don't like people turning up unexpectedly in case I'm not dressed properly/the house is a mess.

Other than that if its not the postman or a parcel then I often just ignore the door. Can guarantee it would only be sales or something.

Get even more annoyed if they don't go away after the first knock.

I have had a few experiences if pushy salespeople, one even put his foot in the door. Plus I have a really cheeky neighbour, so perhaps this is why.

Anyone else?

OP posts:

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teenagetantrums · 14/10/2013 18:55

I never answer the door if im not expecting anyone, i live in a flat so ignore the intercom, i turn it of once the teenagers are home, the only time i answer it is if they are out as they are prone to losing keys and phones. If anyone wants me they can call me.

SecretWitch · 14/10/2013 18:50

Jammie, I am the same way. I am very introverted and see my home as a sanctuary. I never answer the bell unless I am expecting someone.

JourneyThroughLife · 14/10/2013 18:43

I'm another one....I don't answer the door if I'm not expecting anyone. I don't answer the 'phone either; in fact my mobile is on silent and I don't carry it with me. If it's really important, they'll leave a message. Otherwise they're probably sales people.

KatyPutTheCuttleOn · 14/10/2013 18:41

I never answer the door, the postman just opens the door and pops stuff in the porch if my car is there. Nobody else calls round except the DCs friends and they answer the door.

jammiedonut · 14/10/2013 18:39

I'm like this with phone calls and doorbells. I don't answer unless I want to/ if there is no inconvenience to me. I am slightly reclusive, I don't enjoy chatting to neighbours or people that I barely know. I'm very protective of my personal space and don't just invite anyone in. I sure I appear very rude, especially to the neighbour who invited herself over for tea, was ignored at the front door (whilst I was dealing with a screaming baby), so walked round to the back of house and hammered on the back door (for five minutes) until I answered and told her to bugger off as I was clearly busy!

Crinkle77 · 14/10/2013 18:38

My mum had one of these fancy doorbells with a camera attached so she could see who was at the door before she answered it. Maybe invest in one of those?

KatieScarlett2833 · 14/10/2013 18:37

My friends and family know better than to knock on the door. They'll be knocking for a long, long time.
They all know just to let themselves in and put the kettle on.
I never answer the door unless it's to get a delivery.

NuggetofPurestGreen · 14/10/2013 18:36

Just about to say the same SaucyJack i don't answer in case it is friends or family . Unlikely but I wouldn't want people calling round unexpectedly!

MiddleAgeMiddleEngland · 14/10/2013 18:35

My aunt had it down to a fine art. She kept a coat by the front door and would put it on whenever the doorbell rang. She could then say that she was just about to go out and couldn't stop to talk. If it was a friend, the urgent need to go out suddenly disappeared and they would be very welcome.

We can see from a window who is calling, but they can't see us looking out. I'm very selective. Parcels are no problem, the postman and all the delivery companies know to leave anything in our neighbour's porch. She then distributes them when she knows we're around.

coldwater1 · 14/10/2013 18:34

If my door knocks and i'm not expecting anyone i peep out of the little spy hole to see who it is, if they have a clipboard they are usually salesmen so i ignore them, anyone else i answer.

workwhatwork · 14/10/2013 18:32

Wish I could be like that Valium, I get embarrassed if the house is messy, not quite so bothered about pjs, but I have been known to be naked under the duvet on the sofa, so not the best time to pop in.

OP posts:

valiumredhead · 14/10/2013 18:30

Usual, get the kettle on love

Latara · 14/10/2013 18:29

I look out of the lounge window (don't care If they see me) to check who it is before answering the door - I answer the door only to family, friends, neighbours, the postman or delivery men... and probably to someone obviously in distress like Maid.

I never answer to salespeople, JWs or chuggers, after some unpleasant experiences with people who won't take no for an answer.

MaidOfStars · 14/10/2013 18:25

Can I clarify that if the stranger at the door was clearly someone in need of help (as in my case, crying/bleeding/face in tatters/teeth gone), you might feel inclined to answer?

usualsuspect · 14/10/2013 18:22

Me too,Valium.

Nip round whenever you want

valiumredhead · 14/10/2013 18:19

I don't care if the places is in a tip or I'm in my jamas, people can take me as they find me.

eggyhead · 14/10/2013 18:18

I often don't answer the door but only because it is generally a double glazing salesman, a charity collector or the Jehovah's.

I don't have a lot of friends...

Mouthfulofquiz · 14/10/2013 18:15

I know I'm a weirdo, but I really feel annoyed by unexpected visitors and even people calling my mobile a bit late at night! I never answer the landline because its always sales or the same people that we have told over and over again that 'Mavis' doesn't live here.
We live on a confusingly numbered road and when I was on mat leave we had carers for a neighbour ring the doorbell at 9am and 9pm until I called their head office and asked them to stop. I felt like the next person to ring the bell or bang on the door and wake the baby was going to get a punch in the face!!!
Perhaps because I have a very sociable job I just feel like I cannot be arsed to deal with all the extra crap that comes with answering the door.... So YANBU to not answer the door!

MrTumblesKnickers · 14/10/2013 18:12

We have a camera intercom, it's a blessing! Creeps you out a bit when they stare into the camera though.

scarletforya · 14/10/2013 17:59

YANBU

I lock the porch and the doorbell doesn't work so no-one can ring or knock.

I also won't answer the phone to private/withheld numbers.

AmberLeaf · 14/10/2013 17:53

Also, I am always happy to 'receive' friends, but I just like a bit of warning.

AmberLeaf · 14/10/2013 17:52

YANBU

People that know me know to ring first or face disappointment!

I can see well as to who it may be and if it's unimportant I don't answer.

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SaucyJack · 14/10/2013 17:46

YANBU.

I hate pop-inners. I'd be even less likely to answer the door if I thought it was someone who wanted to invite themselves in for a cup of tea.

FeministPixie · 14/10/2013 17:40

haha no one can see in my living room window. The bonus of having a top floor in a maisonette. To be fair family and friends know that strange people or unexpected visits give me brain wobbles so they usually let me know well in advance

Poppyhat · 14/10/2013 17:34

I often can't be bothered with seeing anyone,or my house is a tip and I don't like being caught on the hop ,so I don't answer my door.
But more infuriating is when MIL knocks on the door,waits 5 seconds , then peers in the living room window!!
How bloody rude!!

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