I feel really uncomfortable dropping in on people without calling first. So I don't understand why people do this.
Practically, it is not the best thing to do because what if the person you want to visit is not home, or they have guests for dinner, or they're sick?
Perhaps I'm just self conscious, but calling first just seems the polite and thoughtful thing to do, even for relatives.
What do you do?
2007-09-19 04:53:24 · 24 answers · asked by Lisa M 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
calling before you visit someone is the polite thing to do. dropping in on someone unexpetedly is rude, and it's irritating to me as well.
2007-09-19 04:57:37 · answer #1 · answered by mae 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There's a lot of variation regarding this -- regional differences, cultural differences, personality differences, the relationship (some friends have mutual drop-in relationships, some families do, some groups of neighbors do).
It should be up to the dropped-in-on -- that is, if someone doesn't mind it, it's OK to do to them, but if they do, not so much.
However, you never have an obligation to deal with the person who drops in without warning or invite.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, but this isn't a good time. I wish you'd called instead of just coming over; then I could have told you when would be a good time."
If the person isn't home, the drop-inner knows they run this risk; it's their own lookout.
If you have guests, or don't feel like entertaining, you don't have to let them in.
Just apologize (even if you don't really feel sorry), and close the door.
You don't even have to give a reason. "Not a good time" IS your reason.
2007-09-19 08:40:31 · answer #2 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your relationship, Our very best friends drop by unannounced sometimes and to us that's no problem there always welcome, of course its common courtesy they don't come by too late at night, or sometimes they bring dinner which is always nice, they know we most likely will be home on the weekdays and we enjoy there company, now as for anyone else besides family would do this it would be a tad uncomfortable because that comfort barrier isn't there so I say its all based on the relationship you have with these people. We just try to be the best host we can be.
2007-09-19 05:16:24 · answer #3 · answered by ▒Bella▒ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always call! In this day and age, when everyone has a cellphone or access to a telephone, there is no excuse for not calling first. It is rude to just drop in and assume people will "make the time" for you. It's an interruption into people's lives and shows a lack of manners.
2007-09-19 05:42:31 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, people should call before going to someone's house. When I was younger and lived the Seinfeld lifestyle, my friends came over all the time without calling. Now that I'm older I like to know who and when people are coming over. I'm to the point now that I don't answer my door if it's someone I don't want to talk to.
2007-09-23 03:14:30 · answer #5 · answered by ndn_ronhoward 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People used to do the same thing to me. Until I told them "Listen, I would really appreciate it if you would call the next time you want to come see me". Now it doesn't happen nearly as often. With the proliferation of cell phones no one should be "dropping by" unannounced.
2007-09-19 05:10:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel the same. I like to have some advance notice that someone is coming by.
I also call ahead if I suddenly decide to visit someone. I don't want to interrupt something or bother them if they don't want to be bothered.
I treat relatives the same as everyone else - call first, and they do the same.
2007-09-19 05:07:31 · answer #7 · answered by winnie2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is always a courtesy to call first and ask for a moment to visit. Not everyone is that "familiar" in their relationship to just drop by. Perhaps a neighbor coming by to borrow or return something or just to say 'Hi", but not just to "hang out".
If you give someone a moment to get things (and themselves) in order, they will respect you and your visit that much more!
2007-09-19 04:59:37 · answer #8 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you should. You never know what people are up to and if they would like a visitor. I'll even call family members. It's just the polite thing to do.
2007-09-19 06:33:39 · answer #9 · answered by tetlitea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are 100% correct my dear,its Is very important to call before you drop in.Everyone has their own way of doing things in deffernt times.So If we dropin without informing it will be a very difficult time for the other.I am 100% agrees with you.
2007-09-19 04:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by anjelniki 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how well you know that person, and if the person knows you that well they should know if that bothers you or not.
With some people dropping by unannounced is fine, so they may not see that this bothers others, either way you may need to subtly let this person know that you're not cool with it & if subtly doesn't work then, not so subtly.
2007-09-19 05:00:23 · answer #11 · answered by rf186 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋