Answering a knock at the door

nomadical

Just a random question/discussion

If someone knocks at your door and you're not expecting anyone, do you answer it?

Just asking because three times in the last week I've had unexpected knocks. This is weird for me, it doesn't happen a lot! I haven't answered it on any of the occasions as my friends will always let me know first if they're popping round. The only time I would go to the door is if I was expecting a parcel/takeaway etc.

Am I just weird?! Is it rude to not answer the door? I just think, it's my home and I have a right to not be bothered if I choose (especially if I'm lolling around in my PJs)

BitterAndTwisted

It all depends.


I live on my own and have no family or friends who live nearby, so no-one ever drops by unexpectedly and if there is a knock on the door I peek out of the bedroom window to see who it is. Then I decide whether to answer it or not. Usually I don't go down and open up as it's often some pesky salesperson I don't need to talk to

xoxo_2

I don't answer. Usually look out the window though to see if it's anyone I know or a parcel.

londonsurrey

Not at all rude. If they're knocking, the odds are very high that they want something from you.

If a neighbour really needs to get in touch, it's easy enough for them to drop a note when they don't get an answer.

You're perfectly within your rights not to answer the door, and I think a lot of conmen do rely on the fact that people think it's "not nice" not to answer the door. Well, it's definitely not nice to disturb people and then pressure them into buying stuff, so NOT answering the door wins!

1940sGal

If you're not expecting anything/anyone then i wouldn't say it's particularly rude not to answer the door. It could be a neighbour seeking help but what are the chances? Can you not peek through the window and check?

Personally when i'm chilling out i can see the gate so i can see anyone coming in. If it looks like someone's flogging something (you can always tell cause they go to every house ) or, worse still, Jehovah's Witnesses I stay put.

Kayalana99

Personally I always answar but if I was to take your route I'd be to curouis not to look out the window to see who it was :P

nomadical

Oh good I'm glad I'm not the only one! I can see who it is as I have a spyhole thing in the door, and I live in a very modern apartment building with good security so we have a video intercom if they're buzzing up from outside (unless its broken at the time). I'd answer it for close friends, but that hasn't happened so far!

Sagz_2

I moved house to a street 7 years ago after living all my adult life behind locked gates (no not a prision! jus had to keep the livestock in). At first it was a real novelty getting people call but I soon got bored, especially as it was usually someone looking to collect money from the former house owners.

These days I usually ignore knocks unless I'm expecing a delivery of some sort. If I do bother to answer the door it's always someone selling something I don't want or need: charity, gas switch or God.

Kayalana99

My eye hole is pointless. If I look through my eye hole you can see top of my head thu the door window....so that would be kind of akward if you ignored them still. O well lol

SailorSam

I don't answer, i live on a corner with the main driveway entrance around the side, so anyone who knows me knows to come that way and in from the back gate.
I make a note of when things like the Gas or Lecky reader is due and i'll look through the window if i think it may be something i'm expecting.

Filey

1940sGal wrote: »

Personally when i'm chilling out i can see the gate so i can see anyone coming in....... or, worse still, Jehovah's Witnesses I stay put.

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I don't mind Jehovah's Witnesses. They seldom come, but in the past I have had some interesting discussions with them. Needless to say, they don't change my views and I don't change theirs, but the exchange of views is always interesting. (if I have the time to spare.)

And they are always polite. It never fails to amaze me how many different religions and flavours of religions there are, and they all think theirs is the one true way.