To not answer the door if I don’t know who it is?

[BluntJadeCritic]

I always feel anxious when someone knocks or rings the doorbell, and if I don’t recognise them, I just ignore it. People I know say it could be a friend/family member, or even an emergency, but that seems unlikely. With so many stories about door-to-door salespeople or worse, I feel justified. AIBU for prioritising my comfort and safety over potentially disappointing someone on the other side?

Yeah, common sense to not answer the door. Only on MN. You can double down on it all you like. It’s still batshit.

@Ytcsghisn yes but whether I am at home or in the street I don't particularly want to chat to random strangers about religion, broadband or charity. If I do I can contact the organisation/company myself.
I don't want to buy random stuff on my doorstep - I go to a shop for that or order online (so I would open if expecting a delivery).
Not particularly batshit really.

Other day it was a neighbour with a cutting which was nice. At my old flat I used to be regularly invited to parties or out for drinks. My mum once had a woman she vaguely knew whose husband had been violent.

I don't mind a random door knock, you can always say 'no thanks, I'm in the middle of something' if it's sales. You might be able to help. I'd at least phone the police if it was an emergency if not let them in.

Just be in control. Have a chain or Ring doorbell if it makes you feel better and feel confident saying 'no'. I don't see what good comes of feeling afraid to answer the door and saying 'no thanks' if need be.

Yanbu it's your door.

Yanbu it's your door.

Speaking for myself and a lot if others here, I am not terrified, not afraid, not anxious, not scared….we don’t have the time, inclination or the want to engage with small talk, cold callers or bullshit. It really is that simple. As I said before.. self care. I don’t want to engage so I won’t.

I don't answer the door at the minute as it's 99% if the time the boy that lives up the road that keeps calling for my step sons and he cannot get it in his head that they are with their Mum this week. He's a very chatty child and after the first five times I ran out of energy.
Other than that I can't fathom why someone wouldn't open the door tbh

It’s batshit in YOUR world! You keep getting up and answering your door to every gobshite knocking on it then. Nobody cares. I will keep ignoring it. The fact you are so incredulous that others are not the same as you is hilarious.

Ha ha! Well my survey is very restricted to my own adult kids tbh!! They don't answer their doors. I do.

It is a start for a survey . . . .lol!

I feel like I'm the only person in the world who loves an unexpected visit from friends and family, or even one of my nice neighbours.
Come in and make yourself at home while I put the kettle on and crack out the biscuits.

🙄 Get a Ring doorbell and dispense with the drama.

I love it too, always happy to get a visit from someone.

Me too.

I always answer the door. I recently answered the door at 10:45pm. It was my neighbour telling me that my car's running lights were on, and she saved me from a flat battery.

I hate the fashion for people calling rather than knocking with a passion. I will never know you're there because my phone doesn't ring 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’m with you @Sweepsthepillowclean
Ive had my kids throwing up in the car and I’ve found a shop.
Yes, even when I’ve been on a motorway and had to wait ages for a service station. If it’s a life or death choking on puke situation then there’s the hard shoulder for that. Otherwise they have to wait.

Living rurally in a farmhouse I find it really unusual and slightly suspect if some unknown stranger comes down the drive.
We really don’t get that and when you’re in an isolated location you don’t really have a neighbour to shout to. (even if you aren’t that isolated you still may be alone)
To make a rural diversion it’s usually, in my experience, because we are the destination.

So, no to a random car with pukking kids
Find a shop, make the kids wait.
Put the lives of others you may be affecting first.

Apologise for the rant but I really don’t think people think first

At home we have a front porch. I open the inner door and wave them away if it’s a chugger or random trader touting for work. Both doors always locked so safe enough. The porch also acts as a kind of barrier if I do open the door.

At my office, the office door opens straight into my workspace, no hallway nor reception area so I always keep it closed and locked. I have a big window so I can see who is coming up the drive so will only open to clients, the postman or other people I know. I just ignore anyone I don’t recognise.

I don't understand people who don't answer the door
Very common in some cultures especially for lone women at home. My DH never answers the door even when I've explicitly told him to listen out for a parcel. He just sees it as if he's not expecting anyone he knows why should he answer.
Infact he barely answers the door to the deliveroo driver! Unsure why, did wonder if he had problems with hearing until it became apparent he was ignoring it on purpose.
Which is completely bonkers to me considering it's usually my sister / neighbour etc.

Door bell rang, answered it, bought a poppy. All good.