What do you do when in-laws won't knock?

United States
April 7, 2008 3:27pm CST
My mother, father, brother & sister in-law all live a few house down fron us, so they drop in often and they never knock. I feel as though I have absolutely no privacy in my own home. At one I started locking the door during the day, so they would have to knock, but they would always ask why I had the door locked in the middle of the day. I don't want to be rude to them about it, but after 5 years it's getting irritating.
6 responses
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
7 Apr 08
I will not let them in. They will be locked out constantly. I will on purpose change my locks. I also will pretend that I am not home. Block all noises that you can think of. It is none of their business why you have your door locked during the daytime. You can do what makes you comfortable. You have the right to have all the privacy and security needed. That is your place.
• United States
7 Apr 08
They know I'm always home during the week, I not only stay home with my children but watch to other children as well.
• United States
10 Apr 08
Ha! I always lock my door. You could tell them it's a good habit you're doing now. Just tell them! It's your house! Good luck!
@tessah (6617)
• United States
7 Apr 08
after 5 years id say it was time to speak up. altho really it should be your husband that tells his family to rspect personal boundaries. it isnt "rude" to stand up for yourself.. and youve every right to want people to knock before barging into your home. if they take offense? they obviously dont respect you, so fight fire with fire and start barging into their home at odd hours without knocking.
@kezabelle (2974)
7 Apr 08
Nope id lock the door and if they asked just say you were concerned about someone just walking in while looking them straight in the eye! Its rude and uncalled for to just walk into someone elses house you could be doing anything, your own home should be the one place you are guaranteed privacy.
• United States
7 Apr 08
I was going to say lock the door - but you tried that - do it again and when they ask why, just say - oh, I'm having this terrible problem with people that walk in without knocking. Either that or be in the "altogether" when they come busting in - maybe one way or another they'll get the hint!
• China
9 Apr 08
hello,i think you are not quiet man.