Dropping In or Calling Ahead...

Nope, I never just drop in on people and I don't appreciate it when it is done to me. I will even call my mother before visiting to make sure it is OK. I wish she would show me the same respect, but she doesn't. I have had instances where kids have been here late and then at the last moment say that their parents can't pick them up and could they spend the night. ARGH..that is so rude. They have usually cleared it with the parent before asking me. I normally allow them to stay, because I feel put on the spot, but I don't like it.

I like them to call ahead even if its just from two blocks away....I never turn company away though..life's too short not to take time for a visitor unless they are salemen or something...I enjoy company and just like to know a little ahead of time.

Sometimes I get an occasional visit from friends but not often, like you I find it annoying as I have to sit and visit and make tea and coffee and keep an eye on the kids who get into everything. . I live way out the back of nowhere in a tiny village. My best girlfriend can come when she likes...it doesn't worry me but my mate from across the road drops in and won't leave...I actually have to sAY..."GO". Lol. I'm on dial-up with 4 hourly sessions and sometimes i can't loose a minute let alone an hour or two. It's so annoying.

I always call before I visit and I love the same respect. It is rude to just show up uninvited. Manners Manners!!

I don't like when people drop in. I'd rather people call. I would do the same.

I have two very close friends who are the only ones who get away with just dropping in on me. We dont get to see each other much because we have families of our own and other commitments. But I would never call on somebody unexpectedly. That was the way my mother raised me too. I wouldnt even use my key that I had for my mothers house when I called. The only people that actually frustrate me by dropping by without calling first is my brother and his wife and kids. :-( .They always call at meal times, even though they know what time we eat at, or they call late in the evening when they know that I would be trying to get my kids ready for bed. They dont believe in routine when you have small kids.

I have done both and have had both done to me. Most times it's something that's planned, but some times I'll be in a friends neighborhood and I'll just drop by. I will tell them that if they are busy I'll catch them later or something. I have also told people when they've stopped by that it's not a good time if it's not. Sometimes a surprise visit is exciting in an otherwise boring life :)

We always call ahead unless they are expecting us. If it is unexpected, then they may not be at home, or busy elsewhere. Why they may be on vacation and not at home. Mind you when you come to a strange city and you find that someone you know lives there, it would be nice to drop in on them, but that is not nice and I do not want to risk offending someone. Mind you, if someone dropped in, I would worry if I had enough food for them to eat or, in the case of my brother=in-law and his family, if really we should have spent the money and fixed up the basement.

Like you, I was taught to call ahead. And I never asked to spend the night with someone. It's just awful to see kids do that right in front of both mothers, and it becomes awkward. I have never pretended I wasn't home though, except when it was a neighbor or someone I didn't know. But give me time, I'm sure I'll do it soon!

I don't drop in on others unless I call ahead first to see if they are ok with it. My neighbor comes by most days of the week and I have on lots of occasions ignored the door. Some days I just don't want to see anyone and don't want to be bothered (especially if I am moody as I don't want to take it out on her LOL). I actually did this today - I was watching a movie and relaxing on the couch (almost falling asleep) and I heard the knock on the door but I ignored it. Then she called me three times to see what I was up to - luckily I have caller ID and ignored them all. I was not in any mood for company!

I think it is the height of rudeness for people to just drop in whenever they feel like it. I have put everyone on notice that they had better phone first and let me know if they plan to come over. Like you said, there might be things that you have to do and just don't have time to visit. I have also been guilty of not answering my door when people drop in unexpectedly. I didn't really feel bad the times it happened because they should have at least let me know they were coming. People have gotten angry with me because of the way I feel about this subject, but, I make no excuses. To me it is being considerate when you don't drop in on others.

I much prefer they call before coming instead of just showing up at my door because of three main reasons. One because I may have gone into town and not be here when they show up. Second is because I'd like to straighten up my house a bit before they show up. Third is, what if I'm sick and not up for company? Common courtesy is in order so calling is the way to go.

We always call ahead... we live out in the sticks, and we only go to town if we know people will be home. But if people just want to drop in on us, thats fine, as long as its at a reasonable hour!

I am also a strong believer in calling ahead and not just dropping in on people. First of all they may be busy or not want company at that particular time and I think it is important to respect their wishes seeing as you are in their home. Second, I know that I like when I know people are coming by so I can be ready for them and not in the middle of doing something, like cleaning the bathroom. It's a common courtesy that everyone can do because it doesn't take much more effort than just showing up does.

In my family in Puerto Rico people just drop in without calling ahead but they do not stay long. Usually 1/2 hour is sufficient for a visit. However, my family in USA calls ahead and schedules an appointment.

I have been know to stop by someone's house, but never to do more than that - stop by. If I happen to be driving by and realized that I needed to ask them something, I might - MIGHT - stop by & ask it. I have one friend who has a note pad out by her front door so if I'm in the area (and it is an area I'm around frequently) I can stop by & if she's not there, leave my question on her note pad. Since I do not have her phone number handy it is the easiest way to communicate with her. Now, I said I'm in the area frequently, like at LEAST once a week, more often than that. I have dropped by to ask her a question - or drop off something - like 10 times in nearly 20 years. There's another person that I'm in the area alot too, in fact, worked only about 10 blocks from her house & I knew she was home 90% of the time because of disablities. I think I have dropped by less than that without a call ahead because I do have, or at least HAD her number. Now, I would drop by my mom's house without calling ahead - does that count? I mean, I'd let myself in & everything.

i was taught that but i was also taught never to ask wait til your offered. that rule is one of the worst rules cause nowadays people don't offer things you have to ask

It all depends on who and when they drop in on me. I run a daycare, so I hate it when a friend decides to drop in during the day. I guess that since I am working in my home, they don't really think of me working. It is very hard for me to try to talk to them while I am watching 5 children. If someone justs drops in during the evening, I don't mind at all. I am one to just drop in on people. If I happen to be in the neighborhood of a friend or family member, I might stop by to see how they are doing. I hope that they aren't hinding from me when I think that they aren't home.

I hate to say it,but yes I will sometimes not answer the door and phone. I just do not want to be bothered.I would rather they call first.That way if you have plans you know what to do.

i really do prefer them to call first!! I work from home so most times im still in my PJS till noon maybe or my house sweats working then cleaning so id HATE to ahve guest while im full of floor cleaner or dusting and looking like hell! lol lol but it is nice when they drop by of course - but id feel like something the cat coughed up and id have to run and clean up!! FAST!! lol lol XX