Is anyone else afraid of strangers coming to your door?

Question

This guy asked me if I was interested in him painting our house number on the curb. I said no thanks. He then asked if my parents were home to ask. I said, no we are not interested. (I'm 25 yrs old, and have a child myself!) lol I really just wanted to get rid of him, but should I have stated I was the parent? Now I kind of freak myself out as what I should have said, or wonder if he'd try to break in because he thinks I'm the child, and home alone (he did see our 2 yr old son).

I don't normally answer either, but he saw my son go to the door- the door you lock was opened, 2nd glass door was locked, so I figured I'd try to get rid of him since I didn't know who he was. All doors are now locked!

Answer 1

You can always go for a dog.

Strangers... Use your intuition, prowlers usually act suspicious and usually an unexpected guest. If you have any reason to suspect, don't answer or ask for an ID.

Or you put up a No Soliciting sign.

Or you can put in a chain latch so you can open the door but no one can force their way in.

Or you can install an exterior metal door or gate.

Or buy a video/radio door bell so you can see and/or talk to them without opening the door.

Or you can tell them you're busy or to just leave whatever they have to offer at the doorstep. If they're legitimate people, they'll usually understand.

Or if you don't want to be rude, overly paranoid, look reclusive, or turn away people, you can just not answer and pretend you're not home. If there's a delivery, they'll usually leave it. Other solicitors will usually leave a pamphlet or a brochure.

If you don't want anyone to know you're single, alone, or female in the house, just sign for the package or whatever with just a first initial(ex: Jane Smith=J.Smith) or even just a slash or letter. Anything works. Phone book listing goes the same way. You can always list yourself with a first initial.

If there's a prowler and especially one who knows you're home or your status, call the police. Or have them drive-by.

Answer 2

The best way to ward off any would be thieves, con artists, etc. from casing your house is to get a big dog. The dog does not have to be mean, just curious of other people. If someone comes to your door, open it up just a little and hold your dog back while telling the person that your dog is very aggressive and has a history of attacking people so for their own safety they should leave. Also say that normally your dog is chained up on the front porch. If you really want to scare them, act like your dog is about to break free and you are struggling to hang on. This will work well. If you are concerned about a suspicious person or car around your house, call the police and ask them to drive through your neighbourhood on a regular basis. After all, they are public servants.

Answer 3

Yes! I HATE strangers coming to my door. I used to live near Indianapolis and it didn't happen all the time, but when it did I was glad I had a big dog. We had trained her to bark louder when told, "Shush". hehehe
Once when I was 8 mos pregnant, these guys came knocking, saying they were selling magazines and they wanted to come in. I had my 3 little girls inside. I had my dog and did not let go of her. I said, "Look, this is a really bad time - I am in Labor and I'm waiting for my husband - he's on his way home and is taking me to the hospital right now!" Then I faked having a contraction and started moaning. They RAN. HAHAHAHA! I thought that was pretty clever on my part - something wasn't right about them. They were NOT coming in. I wasn't strong enough to stop them and all I had was my dog to protect me and the girls.
I found out later - my neighbor across the street had been so concerned about them when they came to his door, he had gone back in to get his gun.

I think by letting him think someone else could be there, or may come back home was smart - don't ever give more info about being home alone, being the adult, etc... than they need to know. I never let anyone think I'm alone, unless it's obvious - but I will always convince people someone will be there any minute. My kids never tell anyone we're not there either (I have teenagers now) - they say we're busy.
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I'm not afraid, but I am wary. I usually ignore the doorbell if I can.

For a while, I had a sign posted that said "Don't use the bell - sleeping baby and annoying dog" as that was the truth at the time (my dog is very annoying when the doorbell rings). However, you could still use the sign (I have known someone with an older child that just kept the sign up to be left alone). That should curb some of the door to door stuff.

Answer 5

Eww creepy! Yeah I hate being home alone ever since I was 14 and it was about 1 in the morning...my parents were out together for their anniversary and I was laying in bed, had just shut my TV off when I heard the back door open, I heard someone walk in and our two malamutes (dogs) followed them down the hall. After hearing the dogs were in too I figured it had to be my step dad because he always lets the dogs in at night for a little bit to hang out with them before bed. Well my bedroom door wasn't closed all the way but like leaning against the frame. My door opened and I saw the shadow standing there...I moved a little in my bed and the shadow FROZE! So I said Dennis? My step dad's name...and the person slammed my door shut and I heard them run down the hallway and out the house. OMG I was so freaked out lol. So I called my mom up and she asked if I was sure someone was in the house and wasn't just dreaming and I told her I was positive being as the back door was still open and there were muddy boot prints down the hall and the dogs were in the house...when I went to bed the door was shut and the dogs were outside. Ever since that happened to me...almost 5 years ago now...I hate being home alone lol. There are some real weirdos out there!

Answer 6

I know what your talking about, I also look very young and I was living alone for 6 years until I got married a year ago. First if you want to answer your door go right ahead but always make sure there is a barrier between you and the person, such as a security door. I don't live in the greatest neighborhood so I've had creepy people come to my door. first of all let them know that a man lives in the house, say something like, " NO my husband wouldn't agree to that" I know you can take care of yourself without a man but strangers are less likely to assault you if they know a man is in the house. Or just crack the door tell them no thanks and immediately shut the door, that always works cuts down on conversation and doesn't let them see inside of your house. or check to see who it is and don't answer if you don't know who they are.

Answer 7

Ok I didn't read all of this, but right from the start I realized that I had the same problem as you. I was really close with my best friend, it was just the two of us. Then a third girl came in, and basically took my friend away. The third girl was so mean to me, and I knew she was replacing me. But you can find out if your best friend is truly reliable. If you stay quiet when all three of you hang out, she should notice. If she doesn't, talk to her about it. You two can dicuss it privately without the third girl. By doing this, your best friend will be aware of how you feel, and if she's a good friend, she'll do whatever she can to keep you too.

Answer 8

I definitely have the same problem. I watch my grandkids everyday, and if someone comes to the door, I won't go when I'm home alone with the kids. You never know now who just might be doing a home invasion. It's better to be safe then sorry. If someone was coming to the door that I know, they'd call on my phone anyway. Hope you stay safe..

Answer 9

You can never be sure if the person is bad or not, I think you should always think of a strange especially one at your front door as dangerous, over the summer in the city I live in we had a man going to houses and asking them if there were any "odd jobs" he could do and then after seeing they were alone went in and killed them, about 6 women over the summer, he was caught when one women didn't die because after he hit her to knock her out her dog chased him away and she lived, thank God for dogs.

Answer 10

be alert! but do not show that you are afraid. Best weay to be bold to act that you are actaully brave. it helps. most of the time install video door bell which is quite cheaper these days. if no male member is in the house or some elders at home siply ignore the door bell and call for security. you cannot screen each every person. raise a dog if yiu like it and afford the sanem pesonally i donot like the dog. best of luck!