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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Doorbell be knocking......

88 replies

TransplantedScouser · 07/12/2020 23:41

I have a ring doorbell - it’s obvious and in your face. It also detects motion.

So why the hell do people knock on the glass rather than press the fucking obvious door bell! Not wanting to be seen is not the answer because you are picked up on motion!

Why? Are door bells a strange thing!

OP posts:
Changethetoner · 07/12/2020 23:42

It's because of Covid. People would rather use their knuckles and rap on the glass, than use their finger tip on your bell, which might be all germy.

Original poster
TransplantedScouser · 07/12/2020 23:43

Gloves?

OP posts:
Original poster
TransplantedScouser · 07/12/2020 23:43

If you are actually that paranoid

OP posts:
EBearhug · 07/12/2020 23:45

Probably because lots of doorbells don't work, so many people don't even try now.

Original poster
TransplantedScouser · 07/12/2020 23:46

I even have a fucking ring the door bell sticker - they look and still knock!

Even if covid scares - a stick or pen works! It’s a button

OP posts:
EBearhug · 08/12/2020 00:03

If there are specific instructions, you would think they'd follow that...

OneTC · 08/12/2020 00:05

I never ring the bell, not just during plague time

Original poster
TransplantedScouser · 08/12/2020 07:06

@OneTC why?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 08/12/2020 07:09

I have lost count of the times I have rung a doorbell and there been no reply, but a quick knock on the door with my hand-there they are! A lot of doorbells don't work but I do ring it first.

Nottherealslimshady · 08/12/2020 07:17

Yeah I avoid pressing buttons at all costs atm.
I wouldn't go to my car to get a glove to do it. I certainly wouldn't use the end of a pen which I'm then going to touch. I'd just knock on the door. It's really not surprising that people aren't using it.

PrayingandHoping · 08/12/2020 07:23

Drives me nuts OP.

I have a ring doorbell set up on purpose as people hammering on my door sets the dogs off and wakes my baby.

I'm going to put a note on my door saying use doorbell don't knock door.

KatherineJaneway · 08/12/2020 07:26

I find this happens to me too. I am not within easy earshot of the door and will likely be on a call. Hence the Ring doorbell so my phone sounds and I know to go and answer the door.

MiddleClassMother · 08/12/2020 07:27

I always ring the doorbell and knock in case it doesn't work. I think it's quite common for delivery workers to just knock on the door, as too many doorbells don't work, I also think the ring doorbell puts people off too, people ring it a lot less than when I had a basic one.

BecomeStronger · 08/12/2020 07:28

Why does it matter OP?

TheRealHousewife · 08/12/2020 07:30

Why don’t you ask the door knocking person ... ‘why didn’t you ring the bell?’

wanderings · 08/12/2020 07:32

I'll second the "doorbells don't work". With many other doorbells, you can't hear it from outside, so you don't know if it has rung. Even a little light means nothing - both the bell push and the sounder are often battery-powered. Also, in Mumsnetland, people never have visitors without an appointment anyway, especially during lockdown, so doorbells are obsolete, and their batteries are neglected. Smile

Give me a traditional doorbell, with a pull handle and an actual swinging bell with a clapper inside any day!

Burnthurst187 · 08/12/2020 07:34

I used to do home delivery and I never rang the doorbell. I always knocked. SO many doorbells don't work and you stand there waiting for an answer that isn't coming hence me only knocking the door

WhyDoYouAsk · 08/12/2020 07:36

Too many doorbells are silent from the outside. You press it and... nothing.
I prefer to knock on the door instead.

EggysMom · 08/12/2020 07:39

Why don't people try the doorbell, give it 20-30 seconds to see if anybody answers, then try knocking (in case the doorbell was broken) and wait a further 30 seconds?

Do we live in an era of THAT much instant gratification that we cannot wait another 30 seconds? They could always browse social media while they are waiting Wink

SoupDragon · 08/12/2020 07:41

@WhyDoYouAsk

Too many doorbells are silent from the outside. You press it and... nothing. I prefer to knock on the door instead.
Yes! This is so bloody stupid. You have no idea whether it has worked or not.
BecomeStronger · 08/12/2020 07:44

@EggysMom

Why don't people try the doorbell, give it 20-30 seconds to see if anybody answers, then try knocking (in case the doorbell was broken) and wait a further 30 seconds?

Do we live in an era of THAT much instant gratification that we cannot wait another 30 seconds? They could always browse social media while they are waiting Wink

I don't think it's about needing instant gratification but there is something uncomfortable about standing on a doorstep not knowing if the door will be opened or not and feeling like you don't really belong there.
MolyHolyGuacamole · 08/12/2020 07:46

@OneTC

I never ring the bell, not just during plague time
Oh god is this going to be the new Mumsnet trend along with never answering the door and the phone?
custardbear · 08/12/2020 07:49

You k is there's someone there anyway because of the bells of them approaching

Wellshellsbells · 08/12/2020 07:49

In case babies are asleep? I knock because I am shocked myself at loud unexpected noise ( like Catherine Tates character)

SoupDragon · 08/12/2020 07:49

I don't think it's about needing instant gratification but there is something uncomfortable about standing on a doorstep not knowing if the door will be opened or not and feeling like you don't really belong there.

Especially if it's a sodding Ring doorbell and you know they can see you. I hate them.