Do you call to peoples' houses unannounced?

Medusa22 · 10-09-2013 8:47pm #1

So, people of AH, do you drop by or call in to friends/family unannounced? I think it might be quite an Irish thing. It drives me completely crazy when people catch me unaware.

I usually don't answer the door unless I know who it is and I am expecting someone and some people find this really odd. Does anyone else find it annoying if people just call over without warning?

I have friends that live next door and they do it on an almost daily basis even though they know I hate it.

10-09-2013 8:48pm

Not really no

MadsL · 10-09-2013 8:49pm

Only if they have no TV licence. I have a 2nd hand Detector Van. I'm in your area now.

kwestfan08 · 10-09-2013 8:50pm

Used to in college. A group of about 20 of us used to live within 100 yds of each other so you'd always be passing from house to house just to say hello. These days I'd always text ahead just to see if the person was at home.

Sam Kade · 10-09-2013 8:50pm

I send them a postcard to let them know I'm calling

hansfrei · 10-09-2013 8:51pm

Yeah, esp when they're not in.

If your neighbours were a couple of big sexy roids you'd answer. Probably let them Knock on yo back door too.

tosspot15 · 10-09-2013 8:51pm

When I was a kid, yes. But now, never. There's nothing more annoying than an unnanounced visit.

Medusa22 · 10-09-2013 8:51pm

Well I was actually caught out before so I have a TV licence

perhaps that explains part of my paranoia around answering the door, nothing good comes of it!

Femme_Fatale · 10-09-2013 8:53pm

No, in case they're not there. I don't mind unannounced visits (usually) but I can understand it being a bit inconveniencing for people with kids.

Amirani · 10-09-2013 8:55pm

I stand outside their window until they notice me and let me in. Calling unannounced could be construed as rude.

Dan Jaman · 10-09-2013 8:55pm

I used to drop in unannounced all the time, but when I got my own place I realised what a pita that was, so stopped doing it to other people. Such a thing used to be fine when I was younger; like dropping round mates' houses when there was an open door policy in place, but as people got hitched, kids, family lives, etc, it was obviously less convenient anyway.
The hospitality gene is strong, but one has to temper it with realism and not take the pee.
Apart from that, it's common decency to phone or text ahead and it gives folk a chance to make up a story about going out, what a shame, see you next time, eh?

Mickey H · 10-09-2013 9:02pm

People still do this?? Thought everyone texted or rang ahead nowadays.

pharmaton · 10-09-2013 9:02pm

buries seething rage

smash · 10-09-2013 9:07pm

No, I just camp out in the bushes.

lahalane · 10-09-2013 9:07pm

Femme_Fatale wrote: »

No, in case they're not there. I don't mind unannounced visits (usually) but I can understand it being a bit inconveniencing for people with kids.

I'm the same.

Medusa22 · 10-09-2013 9:09pm

I decided to go to college two years ago so I am a third year student but I'm twenty-five and as a consequence I have some college friends who are still living at home and are younger than me.

They usually don't have credit because students are poor and therefore they think that it is ok to just pop in on me. I am engaged and I live with my partner and I just don't think it is acceptable as an adult to do these things anymore, I did it when I was a teenager alright.

However, I'm glad to see that other people don't like it either, I thought that maybe I was being an anti-social asshole because I am usually

Fox_In_Socks · 10-09-2013 9:11pm

Nope. I would find it annoying if I was in their position.

Richard Hillman · 10-09-2013 9:11pm

No and I get very angry at anybody that ever does it to me. Although it is pretty much common knowledge at this stage that it angers me greatly.

freshpopcorn · 10-09-2013 9:11pm

I don't think I have every really dropped in on a friend unannounced. Unless it was something important. Which I don't think I have ever done.
Whilst calling to aunts we generally just pop in because if we told my aunts we were calling they would go off and get loads of food in and waste €40 or €50. They have the same rule with us tough, they just drop in if they want to.

MaroonAndGreen · 10-09-2013 9:12pm

Id do it in college accomodation all the time, its fairly accepted as a norm there

HamSambo · 10-09-2013 9:13pm

I would release the hounds...

ONeill2013 · 10-09-2013 9:16pm

No it's not the 19th century anymore, people in rural areas have become more private.

StinkySocs · 10-09-2013 9:22pm

I wouldn't answer the door...in case it was the tv license man or someone selling something...and i have everyone warned that that is the case!!!

LOTD · 10-09-2013 9:26pm

You shouldn't force your company on someone else, especially in their own homes. It's just common courtesy I think.

Medusa22 · 10-09-2013 9:27pm

I have warned the neighbours but they continue to do it and if I don't answer then they continue knocking and eventually ring my phone and ask to come over, thinking that this is ringing in advance, they live nextdoor.

I think I'd like to live on my own island.

I could release my cat but he is a complete pussy

10-09-2013 9:28pm

I always call first.

If you call at my place without phoning first, expect to be ignored if it doesn't suit me.

worded · 10-09-2013 9:30pm

OP stop posting there, I'm at the front window open the door

HamSambo · 10-09-2013 9:34pm

worded wrote: »

OP stop posting there, I'm at the front window open the door

Yea OPEN UP! ITS OK

We have our own beer and weed

zenno · 10-09-2013 9:35pm

Nope, it doesn't bother me if people call un-announced, are we living in a paranoid nation ?

Medusa22 · 10-09-2013 9:38pm

HamSambo wrote: »

Yea OPEN UP! ITS OK

We have our own beer and weed

If you make that vodka and weed then I'll consider it!

HamSambo · 10-09-2013 9:39pm

Medusa22 wrote: »

I could release my cat but he is a complete pussy

Just the tiniest bit of Colemans mustard up his hole and he'll shred anyone in sight, you have to be fast though :pac:

pharmaton · 10-09-2013 9:42pm

zenno wrote: »

Nope, it doesn't bother me if people call un-announced, are we living in a paranoid nation ?

Context Zenno. You're deep in the middle of an epic movie, fire lighting and tucked up barefoot on the sofa, is it paranoid to not really want to be confronted by someone "just passing" who's determined to ruin your little self indulgent moment because they are eager to have a conversation about their mothers cousins friends wedding last weekend where they drank so much they don't remember getting home. ?
well, do you?

HamSambo · 10-09-2013 9:45pm

Medusa22 wrote: »

If you make that vodka and weed then I'll consider it!

Consider it DONE!!! lmao

.....see folks? Thats how you get in the house unannounced :pac::pac::pac:

hardCopy · 10-09-2013 9:45pm

I never had a doorbell in my last house. Now I'm in an apartment and nobody would know my number for the buzzer.

I wouldn't answer unless someone phoned me. All the people I want to talk to have my number.

I wonder if people will be quicker to answer the door once the TV license is replaced.

JustAThought · 10-09-2013 9:46pm

zenno wrote: »

Nope, it doesn't bother me if people call un-announced, are we living in a paranoid nation ?

Thank God. I'm Not alone ! Yes I might text &!drop by or just drop by once in a blue moon.

What is it with everyone!! Too busy with boards & soaps!!!?
Common courtesy applies - not early am, not too late, not dinner time, avoid couples & those with kids who you only see at weddings anymore now that they're wedded. But -yes! Friends do drop over / books down/ by for a chat/ gifts in/ etc.!!!

It's a people planet!!!

Medusa22 · 10-09-2013 9:47pm

HamSambo wrote: »

Just the tiniest bit of Colemans mustard up his hole and he'll shred anyone in sight, you have to be fast though :pac:

No mustard but I do have chili flakes?? :eek:

tony1980 · 10-09-2013 9:50pm

Out of curiousity, What is the latest time people deem to be acceptable for family or friends to be ringing their house at night?

HamSambo · 10-09-2013 9:51pm

Medusa22 wrote: »

No mustard but I do have chili flakes?? :eek:

Chili flakes, you serious? Now thats just cruel!!

fartman · 10-09-2013 9:55pm

my front door is always opened like my x girlfriends legs

zenno · 10-09-2013 9:55pm

pharmaton wrote: »

Context Zenno. You're deep in the middle of an epic movie, fire lighting and tucked up barefoot on the sofa, is it paranoid to not really want to be confronted by someone "just passing" who's determined to ruin your little self indulgent moment because they are eager to have a conversation about their mothers cousins friends wedding last weekend where they drank so much they don't remember getting home. ?
well, do you?

Well under the above certain circumstance i would have to agree, but not during the day

Gerry91 · 10-09-2013 9:56pm

tony1980 wrote: »

Out of curiousity, What is the latest time people deem to be acceptable for family or friends to be ringing their house at night?

I hate when people call my house full stop

Text me or facebook!

mattjack · 10-09-2013 9:57pm

fartman wrote: »

my front door is always opened like my x girlfriends legs

Has your girlfriend got a doorbell on her and is any part of her anatomy letter boxed shaped ?

10-09-2013 9:59pm

tony1980 wrote: »

Out of curiousity, What is the latest time people deem to be acceptable for family or friends to be ringing their house at night?

10.30, because I often hit the sack around then if I've an early morning.

Later than that and I have a momentary sick panic that something bad has happened and it's an emergency.

Texting is fine whenever, because it doesn't wake me up or require immediate action.

pharmaton · 10-09-2013 10:07pm

zenno wrote: »

Well under the above certain circumstance i would have to agree, but not during the day

depends on who the caller is, family I always have time for but they wouldn't typically call very often but I do know a couple of heads who would just about move in given half the opportunity. It's not that I don't appreciate their company it's just I like my space and they don't really seem to appreciate that that's what it is, despite subtle suggestions of the same.
I have often had to get out of the house and sat at a coffee bar or take the dog for a walk just to get away knowing someone would be "dropping in" on their way home and I wouldn't have an excuse not to be there.

Agricola · 10-09-2013 10:09pm

I never do and theres only a handful of people who I wouldnt mind calling to my place unannounced. The reasons being a) they are close to me and b) they don't overstay their welcome.

Its the height I ignorance I think. Why should I change of plans of sitting in my underpants surfing the web in order to entertain people with custard creams while listening to them drone on about their boring lives? Why?

anncoates · 10-09-2013 10:10pm

Not these days no.

Nearly everybody I know lives with somebodyv and/or has kids so it would be quite rude to just show up.

tony1980 · 10-09-2013 10:13pm

Candie wrote: »

10.30, because I often hit the sack around then if I've an early morning.

Later than that and I have a momentary sick panic that something bad has happened and it's an emergency.

Texting is fine whenever, because it doesn't wake me up or require immediate action.

I would be similar enough but my Mother or other family members think I am nuts, I often get phone calls off them at about 11pm for no particular reason.

pharmaton · 10-09-2013 10:16pm

Agricola wrote: »

I never do and theres only a handful of people who I wouldnt mind calling to my place unannounced. The reasons being a) they are close to me and b) they don't overstay their welcome.

Its the height I ignorance I think. Why should I change of plans of sitting in my underpants surfing the web in order to entertain people with custard creams while listening to them drone on about their boring lives? Why?

my friends are bastards and would just bring lapstops/tablets/smartfones with them and steals my internets while eating my custard creams and drinking my coffee.

Agricola · 10-09-2013 10:18pm

anncoates wrote: »

Not these days no.

Nearly everybody I know lives with somebodyv and/or has kids so it would be quite rude to just show up.

People have always lived with others and had kids. Its always been rude to just show up. The difference was that back in the day everyone was so well conditioned to be true to the "cead mile failte" stereotype that they put up with everything through gritted teeth. I saw it with my own mother welcoming people into the house like they were the Pope even though she hated the sight of them!

Some people call it the breakdown of the close knit / friendly Irish society. Bollox. Its called not intruding on peoples privacy/downtime.

Juniorhurler · 10-09-2013 10:24pm

Two kids here. Myself and the wife work full time along with running a farm part time. Its a busy house but we still love our mates just dropping in. Telly gets switched off, kettle on and settle in for a chat. The most enjoyable way to spend the evening IMHO. I understand how other people may hate it but I really enjoy visitors.

Lyaiera · 10-09-2013 10:25pm

Agricola wrote: »

Its the height I ignorance I think. Why should I change of plans of sitting in my underpants surfing the web in order to entertain people with custard creams while listening to them drone on about their boring lives? Why?

I think you should move the custard creams to the sitting in your underpants surfing the web bit and leave the uninvited guest to their own devices.

Do you call to peoples' houses unannounced?

Comments