(Inspired by Unpacked Writer’s post.)
I grew up in a house where visitors were not received without notice. This meant that my friends and suitors often spent their visiting time on the porch with me, or sometimes, in the driveway.
However, with my own household, I am only a bit more relaxed.
I’ll open the door for a few people. If I’m not in the mood for company, I might hide in the back of the house. Really just depends on how the dog reacts to who’s at the door…Yes, my dog makes a lot of my decisions about etiquette.
I opened my door to a policeman the other day, because I think one should, but I was clad only in my towel, with dripping wet hair. Policeman was extremely embarrassed, probably because he looked to be about twelve. He could have called first, couldn’t he?
I’ve often had the house where all the kids hang out and I’m okay with that, because I know where my kids are and I know where my kids are and I know where my kids are. There are a lot of strange people in the world, and they make strange little kids, and it’s just better for me to deal with strange little kids than to subject my children to strange adults. Please note: if allowed, strange adults and their strange little children will come to your house and behave strangely, while saying strange things.
For inside hospitality, we hafta know the kid’s parents, or have come to know the child pretty well before the welcome has been issued. Most of our children are introverts, who really just seem to collect a friend here or there, but Moo brings the entire party home. For this reason, I’m happy to be the mom with boxes of ice pops and plenty of outside toys.
I lived on an Army base for seven years, and many of my neighbors came to call regularly, which I enjoyed, and did in turn. I had several neighbors who became friends, almost like family, in the way that we were, at times, the only local support we had. Army Wives are extremely independent people, but they are also incredibly vulnerable and no one is an island. With all of our families and closest friends states away, we came together easily. Who will babysit, throw you a baby shower, give you a ride, or make you soup when you’re sick? An Army Wife.
Seeing the same people day-in and day-out, through all their highs and lows produces a certain level of comfort, I suppose. I didn’t hesitate to leave my children or my house key with the exemplary women I came to know and love.
Now that I am back in civilian world, few people are welcome to drop by my house at any time. No one has my house key.
My schizophrenic neighbor comes by at least once a week, always with a kindly, but completely ridiculous token. He has terrible timing, bless his heart.
The about six people I welcome to drop in on me do not do so often, because it’s quite a drive, or because their good manners prevent them from doing so, but they really are always welcome.
I’m not much for dropping by. I prefer to call ahead, in case you’re knee-deep in oven grease, or worse, you’re already entertaining a person I can’t stand.
The people who drop by here the most are my in-laws, which ALWAYS happens at the least convenient times: I am barely dressed, I am painting the dining room, I am crazy neem-faced lady, I am giving the dog (and most of my clothes) a bath, I am having a nap, I am wiping out cupboards and all of my items are on the counters while loud, inappropriate music rocks the casbah. *facepalm*
I wish very much that I could tell them always to call first, but it would offend them, I’m sure.
Ironically, when they call me, they always ask me if it’s a good time.
How do you handle unannounced company? Do you let your dog make your decisions, too?
joeyfullystated 
This is great. Haha, I know what you mean about your schizophrenic neighbor, “bless his heart,” as I have a couple of those in my life, too. Amazingly horrible timing with the phone calls, especially, and I usually am curt and feel TERRIBLE. I liked Renee’s post, too, BTW.
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I’m glad you can relate! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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I am very lucky in that no one EVER drops by my house unannounced. They learned that (quickly) when I first moved out because if they dropped by unannounced, I refused to answer the door. One time my brother called from my driveway to ask where I was…I said “Home” and he said, “then open the door” and I said “no” and hung up.
Now, I live spitting distance from my parents, but we all made a rule early on that no one “drops by” unannounced. We always call to ask to see if they are available and/or interested in company. I don’t do “unannounced” because there are days when I just don’t want to see anyone, no matter how thoughtful or well-meaning they think they are being.
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It’s a very nice rule. Thank you for sharing your policy. I would never call you from the driveway!
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LOL I might answer the phone, but I won’t answer the door!
(He seriously did not understand. He’s since moved hundreds of miles away. I understand he drops in on his neighbors all the time…)
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Ooh, lucky them! LOL
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I do NOT do well with unexpected drop-ins. The good thing is, I can’t remember the last time I had any!
As for the cop showing up at your door, now I’m very curious…
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He was lookin for the previous owner.
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Ah. Well, didn’t he get a little unexpected surprise himself? Nothing like a toweled greeting to get one’s attention!
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I admit, I was curious as to why the policeman wanted to see her. She’s seemingly benign and responsible, so I dunno.
Yeah, poor guy, hehe!
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I hate unexpected visitors. Then again, I have no friends nor family, so it’s not much of a problem. 😛
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No friends or family, oh Linda, as if!
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Seriously. I have one friend, who spends 3/4 of his time here anyway, and my mother, who doesn’t go anywhere unless I pick her up. That’s it!
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I don’t know if I’m happy or sad for you. Tell me how to feel?
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ehhh… It would be nice to have a few friends, but then I wouldn’t have time for them more than likely anyway. I’m not likely to magic any more family up.
But hey, you can definitely feel happy for me that I don’t have to vacuum and clean like a madwoman just in case someone drops by! 😀
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Yay you! 😀
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Thanks so much! I’ve already received this award, but I am honored to get another nomination, especially from you!
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Love it! This cracks me up, I can sooo relate!
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Thanks, Jewels 🙂
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I am not a drop by’er or do I appreciate them. period.
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I’m past worrying about unannounced visitors. I think any visitor is nice to have. As long as they don’t expect my house to look like the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. 🙂
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You must be one of those people-people! All warm and inviting and whatnot! 😛
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Only on my good days!! lol
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😀
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The dog rules. An unwelcome guest once came to visit. He stood outside the 3′ fence. Our dog stayed inside the fence but periodically jumped higher than 3′ as if to say “I could clear that fence in a heartbeat and eat you for dinner.” The guy asked “are you going to restrain your dog?” Um, nope, she lives here, have a nice day.
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Right on!
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Me? I hate company. Announced or not. Mostly because of where I live now. Not enough room for Jen and I, let alone someone else. But if company is to come, I’d prefer they call first. Like, days in advance.
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