I usually have an open door policy (friends/family/neighbors feel free to drop by without calling first). However, these past few months, I've been sick and not wanting so much company. If I'm going to take a nap or just feel really lousy, I put a small dry erase board on my front door so people can leave me a message instead of ringing the doorbell (they leave a message AND ring the doorbell, and wake me up). One new acquaintance has been saying behind my back that I'm "avoiding" her, ever since I put the board out, although she is aware of my illness. She would come over, ring once, knock once, and spin tires out of my driveway and speed down the street. By the time I could get my body moving and to the door, she'd be speeding off. Would you be offended by "the board", and why?
2007-02-06 15:27:26 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
Of course not. If you are feeling lousy, that's it. People need to understand that not everyone feels like socializing ALL of the time anyway, feeling bad or no. You placed the board there out of consideration, and they should return the favor by at least trying to understand. It sounds like you are the most thoughtful person of the bunch, and they sound terribly self-centered.
If I were you I would talk to the screeching tire lady and explain your situation (further). If she continues to feel slighted and put-out by what everyone else is doing, then I would reconsider that being a friendship at all.
Take care of yourself, and don't let that infantile behavior bother you.
2007-02-06 15:35:42 · answer #1 · answered by polishedamethyst 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I would not be offended. I would be offended if I were you by those being so inconsiderate. Put "please do not ring or knock - I am sleeping but please leave a message". Then get rid of the new acquaintance - you don't need people like that in your life. Those that do ring or knock need to get a polite note or phone call from you re-explaining why you just can't have people drop by right now. Hope you feel better soon.
2007-02-06 23:44:58 · answer #2 · answered by Santa's Elf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would. Your friends take the time to come see you and all they get is a message board? They might have been bringing you flowers or food so that you wouldn't have to cook. Don't think only of yourself think about them. If you don't want company you need to tell them to call first to see if you feel up to a visit. You could be more polite to the people who care about you.
2007-02-07 00:09:45 · answer #3 · answered by JR 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should just tell people that you are not feeling well and trying to rest and to please call before coming over. The board is not offensive. If they don't respect your wishes and desire for some privacy and rest, then THEY are RUDE. As for this new acquaintance ... I would not take that friendship any further. She obviously has some issues and sounds like a freak. I WOULD avoid her (make her gossip a reality!).
2007-02-06 23:34:09 · answer #4 · answered by lesliejay63 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think its unusual, u could just call everyone u know or the people who drop by and tell them that u don't want company for a while cause you are sick and u do not feel up to it, why don't u just give your friend a call and tell her exactly what u just told here i am sure she will understand and i am sure u guys just experience some miss communication. i hope u feel better soon.
2007-02-06 23:31:41 · answer #5 · answered by ... 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you don't have to open your door to anyone if you don't feel like it, and if they are bothering you if they know you're sick, THEY are being offensive. Don't feel bad about it, with friends like that, you could use some rest anyway.
I had a rude neighbor that would not stop bothering me once, she just couldn't take a hint, so I put a note on my door that said "if you weren't invited, you're not welcome". And I told my friends why it was there, and they understood. Maybe rude, but it worked.
2007-02-06 23:37:03 · answer #6 · answered by Squirrley Temple 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that your acqauintance be told in no uncertain terms that you are not up to entertaining her or anyone else, due to health problems.
I have had three heart attacks and three strokes, and have undergone six surgeries in six years; I solved the problem by simply putting a sign over the doorbells stating, "No visitors - PLEASE! I am unwell! Please call or stop by at another time." The sign, which may be a little abrupt, works well.
2007-02-06 23:34:25 · answer #7 · answered by Kiffin # 1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think they are the ones being rude & they should know that its not personnally directed towards them seeing that the board is there for all to see.Id have a talk with them maybe & if they cannot understand,,then re-evaluate the friendship.
2007-02-06 23:32:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are suffering from rude disease. If they are truly your friends they wouldn't take offense. I think you need new ones. Go back to bed. You are more important then a person pissed off because you didn't open the door.
2007-02-06 23:32:22 · answer #9 · answered by JNM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think your doing the right thing. I think it's only polite to call before you come, even if you are friend or family. On your dry erase board... Say I'm not feeling well and napping...Please call me latter.. Please don't ring Bell!
2007-02-06 23:33:23 · answer #10 · answered by double_klicks 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋