Is it normal to not answer the door if you aren't expecting anyone?

86% Normal
23 Comments

Obviously if I've invited someone over or I'm expecting a package then of course I answer.

But I'm talking about neighbours dropping by unannounced, door to door sales/religious people, or just random stuff. I live in a pretty friendly area so it's not like I'm scared, just sometimes I'm busy doing stuff or I can't be bothered talking to someone. I like my alone time, I don't get much of it and it's kind of sacred to me. I hate the mental interruption of an unplanned visitor or problem, conversation etc. when I'm working on a project in my shed or just trying to read a book or something.

But sometimes I get worried because if someone can tell I'm home (like they see my car or lights on or hear music) then what would they think of me not answering.

Is this normal? Am I rude?

Voting Results
86% Normal
Based on 28 votes (24 yes)
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Comments ( 23 )
  • IrishPotato
    5 years ago

    I do it all the time. If I don't feel like answering and I'm not expecting anything I ignore it.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      5 years ago

      But do you feel like the person knocking thinks your rude? Obviously if it's a sales person then who gives a shit, but if it was a neighbour do you think they'd be like "he was definitely home but didn't open the door, how unfriendly". I don't generally care what other people think but with neighbours it's different because they can make your life difficult if they want to. Don't want to antagonise them.

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      • IrishPotato
        5 years ago

        I don't think they're even aware. They probably think you're not home.

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        • [Old Memory]
          5 years ago

          They could also think you're taking a nap or have noise-cancelling earphones on.

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          • IrishPotato
            5 years ago

            Probably. I doubt they'll be offended.

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  • bogbrush
    5 years ago

    I never answer my door unless expecting someone. I don't give a shit what people think. People are very intrusive and my home is my sanctuary so I don't feel I have to justify or explain why I don't answer to callers. Good for you.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      5 years ago

      Yes, yes! Every man's (or woman's) home is their sanctuary. We all have the right to privacy. I've just been thinking about it recently because I've had very bad neighbours in the past so I got worried that me never answering the door would antagonise them. I'm probably over thinking it, the neighbours still wave when they see me and I wave back so it's probably fine :)

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      • bogbrush
        5 years ago

        I've got a 'No Cold Callers' sign on my door. After a while people know there will be no answer and stop knocking.

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  • 309uf2o38yf
    5 years ago

    I only open the door for religious people so I can invite them in and make them feel silly

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  • sickboy42
    5 years ago

    Fuck, dude, when I get home after a long day and I’m not expecting anyone, you literally could not pay me to answer the door. Like, it’s my house. I live here. Leave me alone. haha
    Anyone who thinks it’s rude is probably just one of those super-sociable people with no boundaries. Don’t worry, my guy

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  • Ellenna
    5 years ago

    Nobody gets to my door without my dog letting me know someone is on the property and letting them know it's not safe for them to open the gate on to my verandah.

    One religious door to door salesman ignored the "Beware of the Dog" sign and headed for my front door, nearly getting himself bitten. I told him that was a silly thing to do given the sign and he pointed to the sky and said that god was taking care of him: I told him neither I nor my dog believed in anyone in the sky and he should leave immediately. I haven't seen him again.

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    • RoseIsabella
      5 years ago

      I try not to answer the door, but if I do, I tell them that they're trespassing, and not welcome.

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  • kelili
    5 years ago

    I think most people sometimes pretend that there's nobody's home.

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  • JD777
    5 years ago

    I do it often. I have a security cam out there, so I look to see who it is. If it’s not someone I know or a delivery person needing a signature, I ignore it. Almost always, it’s someone selling something or a religious evangelist. I've thought about putting up one of those no soliciting signs up at the bottom of the drive.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      5 years ago

      Yeah, I've also found that it's almost always a sales person or religious person. I don't hate them like some people do, I get that they're just doing a job. But my partner works nights a lot and it infuriates me when they knock then, and even worse if you open the door they start their big, loud, happy sales pitch! Makes me want to smack them

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  • RoseIsabella
    5 years ago

    That's what I do do too. I don't want uninvited people to ever think they are welcome to pay me a visit.

    I don't mind a neighbor asking if I got their mail by mistake, or if neighbors come by, because my mail was delivered to their address by mistake. I don't even mind if someone asks me to turn my music down if it's really blaring. Anyone looking for a lost animal is okay coming to my door to ask if I've seen their dog or cat for the most part, but if I don't know the person I'd prefer if they just left a flyer with a picture of the animal, and a cell phone number where they can be reached if I find their pet. Sadly it's not an uncommon scam for a home invader to knock at someone's door claiming to have lost a pet.

    I really hate people coming door to door trying to sell shit! I don't like, nor do I ever welcome Jehovah's Witnesses knocking at my door. There were lots of Mormons in Nevada, and although I'm not interested in their religion, and would never dream of converting, I must say they are extremely polite so I don't mind them that much.

    I just don't think there's much of a reason for a stranger to ever come to my door. I also would not appreciate a stranger coming to my door requesting to come inside to use my phone. If there is an emergency they can wait outside while I call 911 for them.

    I think good fences make good neighbors. This place where live in Delaware is okay, but I kinda miss the gated community we were in back in Las Vegas. Gated communities are very common in Las Vegas compared to say here in Delaware, or even back in Houston. Our house back in Las Vegas actually had a small courtyard, and a gate which miss a lot. I love privacy! I don't think my home needs to be accessible, and welcoming to any old random person.

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  • Guineapiggirl
    5 years ago

    Normal with a capital N! Your home is your castle, your sanctuary etc... don't feel like answering...then don't! 🌷

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  • NaughtyAF
    5 years ago

    I'm naked AF looking at u through the peep hole! Lol I'm that guy! But something tells me you all out there can relate!? Maybe I am the only one? Well shit...

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      5 years ago

      Do you mean that you are naked at home and someone is knocking on your door, or are you the knocker at someone else's door?

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      • RoseIsabella
        5 years ago

        If naked person knocks at my door I'm sure as Hell not going to answer it! I would probably call the cops.

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  • donteatstuffoffthesidewalk
    5 years ago

    they wouldnt make it past the land mines

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    • RoseIsabella
      5 years ago

      Hurray!

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  • Mehereok1
    5 years ago

    Normal for most, I think. I work from home, and rarely if ever answer the door unless I'm expecting UPS or FedEx. Even then, I know about what time they usually arrive, so kind of ready for them. Other than that, no. I'll look outside my home office window to see who's out there, and wait for them to leave.

    Did have a guy deliver a deposition notice (part of my business) and not knock, but..Pound on my door for minutes. I didn't know who he was, just a regular car in the driveway, dressed like a guy at the bar, so..Didn't answer. He left the notice, which was fine, but I also complained to the attorney about the guy's pounding and pounding my door, and why I didn't answer.

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