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Original poster

How do you feel when the doorbell goes and you're not expecting anyone?

43 replies

franch · 20/04/2006 22:31

Just wondering as we've just moved from a flat to a house and I used to feel quite safe with the entryphone as a 'screening' device. Now I feel quite odd going to the front door with a baby and toddler, without knowing who's on the other side. Thoughts?

OP posts:

Dottydot · 21/04/2006 08:52

Hate it! I like to know who's coming round and when (it's the manager in me...). Dp loves it and gets all excited when people drop round unexpectedly - she's all happy and putting the kettle on and I'm all grouchy and hiding in another room!

Hausfrau · 21/04/2006 08:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NotAnOtter · 21/04/2006 08:56

Usually freeze and/or hide! Answered the door to a friend last night with a breast pad just peeping out from my top- looked soo stylish and is a good enough reason to hide next time!

acnebride · 21/04/2006 09:03

if daytime am usually excited by prospect of someone to talk to - i assume it's either a canvasser (marginal area) or a local mate dropping something off that I left at their house. if nighttime a bit nervous and ask who it is.

Bugsy2 · 21/04/2006 09:06

I always shout through the door "who is it" and then don't open the door if I don't want to deal with the charity, door to door sales etc etc. You don't have to answer the door - its your home.

Seashells · 21/04/2006 09:10

I've just moved from a flat to a house too, and this did feel strange for a while.

I will ignore it, 9 times out of ten, it's some bloody salesman telling me I'm stupid for being with whatever gas/electric/phone company I'm currently with and would save x amount of money if I changed. Grrr.
If they knock a second time I consider answering, a third time, it's usually dp who has forgotten his keys.

MrsBadger · 21/04/2006 09:12

if before lunch I hope it's the postman with something exciting and dash like GeorginA - have been known to get surprise packages from mad aunts ('saw these biscuits and though of you...' yum yum!)

if afternoon or evening am more circumspect and prepare a 'am just in middle of making dinner' etc excuse while looking out of window.

GeorginaA · 21/04/2006 09:22

MrsBadger: do you also get a lecture from the children in your house about running indoors when you do it

Waswondering · 21/04/2006 09:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsBadger · 21/04/2006 09:36

Tortington · 21/04/2006 09:54

i just wonder wh is trying to sell me something, wants me to do a survey, want me to change my gas or electric, wants me to give money to charity.

or its the police. i ve never met so many police officers. stuff to do with me reporting a 10 year old for common asault and my dh being assaulted and ongoing intimidation tactics.

its kids wanting my kids to play out.

sharklet · 21/04/2006 11:42

If anyones bothered to hike up the hill to our house its usually someone we want to see. Very rarely is it someone unexpected. Only once we've had a door to door salesman selling posh fish and he was a smarmy creepy guy.

I tend to panic as like the rest of you its usually when I'm looking like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards with no bra and pajamas.

alexsmum · 21/04/2006 11:43

i panic! because my house is always a disaster zone and i don't want to have to invite people in!

bea · 21/04/2006 11:59

what a bunch of grouches you are ... i'm so like dottydot's dp... i get very excited and think... ooo! a visitor! and then start thinking about what biscuits we've got in... or maybe i crave the company of others and can't cope with my mad children all by myself... it's nicer to share!!!!

though i do admit... 'drop in ' visitors normally call before... just to check if we're in...

MissChief · 21/04/2006 12:01

oh, I'm a true CHAOS person, sadly, so I panic and in a v severe moment of untidiness have even been known to hide away

poppy101 · 21/04/2006 13:10

I actually turn off the door bell at lunchtimes for my lo to have a sleep in peace, plus it annoys the postman. We have fitted a nice big letterbox and found it really annoying that he was ringing the door bell all the time to take in parcels for other people. Not just ringing the bell once, no he would play a little tune on it.

Can't do it now and I think that he has got the message that I don't collect other peoples parcels for neighbours who live half way up the road.

I also don't answer the door when I know it is people selling things or church people and don't answer the door late in the evening, when I am by myself.

jamese · 21/04/2006 18:38

I also panic, whilst muttering who the bloody is it...

BUT I want to be the type that friends feel welcome to come anytime, but they must see the look of my face and hence never pop round unannounced.

I think if I had a tidy/clean house I would be more welcoming but not happened yet.

Also agree about being bra less... I have huge very saggy boobs that trip me up whilse answering the door, so have been known to grab my fleese (big and baggy) before I have opened the door.

I can actually see who it is as we have glass porch and I can usually see who is walking up the drive anyway, so have time to sort myself out accordingly.

jmum6 · 21/04/2006 18:40

I panic, and do a mental check of the house to see if it's tidy enough!

If I'm in my comfortable clothes (shapeless track bottoms and dp's tops) you can forget it!

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