TODAY’S POLL

LAST POLL RESULTS

48% of you voted It depends on the situation and relationship in yesterday’s poll: What do you think is the proper etiquette when visiting someone’s home?

“In the old days, visitors were more than welcome. As kids, we loved when people stopped by. Now, as things have evolved, it’s more like, ‘Turn off the lights and see who it is.’ I never show up unannounced. However, I do feel comfortable if a family member shows up unexpectedly. So, in the end, it depends on the relationship.”

“Other than my parents and in-laws, I can’t imagine walking into a home uninvited.”

“It depends. When my parents were alive, I would pop in on the weekends to say hey. If they happened not to be home, no biggie. But that was very rare, since they were older and would actually tell me in the nightly calls I made to check in. I do check with my friends and other family members beforehand to make sure they aren’t busy or if it’s even OK to come over, and I sort of expect the same from them. I’d rather be ready for a visit, in case I need to clean or tidy up first, lol!”

“When I go visiting, I like to have a host who is comfortable with my calling. Catching someone off guard is a disservice to the visit — maybe they’re busy, grouchy, or embarrassed if the house isn’t up to standards. I hate pop-ins, and all my friends know it. I’m a creature of habit; give me notice of a visit, and I’ll be that gracious, endearing friend you’ve always known, maybe even with some great snacks to serve.”

“I’ve noticed that here in Sweden, where I am right now, you need to be invited 😊. In Australia, it’s more casual 😀.”

“Mostly, I always wait for an invitation, but certain situations allow for random visits. My 13-year-old daughter missed a big ‘Galentine’s Day’ party on Saturday, so yesterday we bought roses and candy and dropped them off to each of her friends.”

“When I was young, my mother, who worked for the government, traveled quite a bit for jobs in order to advance her career. Somehow, between postings, we ended up for a short time in our home city where my first cousins lived. We would usually stop in without any notice. Having said that, all of the kids in their neighborhood did the same thing: open the kitchen door and, once inside, yell for whomever they were visiting. I have 7 cousins on this side, so it was a rather large house. This was the early to late ’60s, up to probably the mid ’70s. We moved away for the last time in 1971. Having said that, our house didn’t have such a casual policy. My friends had to knock.”

“Some friends want to know before I stop by, and others have the open invite.”

“I really never liked friends and family showing up uninvited, especially in the evening. I was only okay with someone dropping by in the early afternoon.”

“I’m an introvert who works the overnight shift. If you show up uninvited, I’m probably not going to get out of bed to open the door. My noontime is your midnight.”

“With the exception of relationships where there’s a caregiver or caretaker dynamic, it’s never okay unless it’s come up in conversation beforehand, and the person whose home it is has said to that specific person, ‘Drop by anytime! Seriously.’ Otherwise, it’s never okay!”

“Currently, I’m feeling fine and doing well. Close friends and family are welcome to stop by anytime — you may want to check in first to make sure I’m home. If I’m doing poorly, feel free to stop by and see if there’s anything I need. I’m just old, not yet dead. Visitors are always welcome. New to the area? Stop by — maybe we have stories to share with each other. I may even have a ghost story to tell you about your new home!! LOL.”

“In this day and age, we have the resources to determine whether someone can see visitors. An elderly person might like drop-by visits, whereas families with active agendas might need a heads-up if a visit is planned.”

“Close friends and family don’t need an invite… because they’re friends and family!”

“I don’t think you should need an invitation from siblings, parents, or other family members, but you should at least give them a heads-up before heading over.”

“My close family and friends are always welcome, but they usually let me know ahead of time.”

“I appreciate a heads-up just in case — unless it’s an emergency and someone really needs my help or has no access to a phone. I’m retired and cautious about answering my door. Also, I want to be dressed!!!”

“Just a phone call is good enough to let us know you’re coming! We love to see everyone — we just need to be dressed!!”

“Just don’t do uninvited visits…”

“I’d love to say it doesn’t matter, but I spend so little time at home that I’d rather you called first to see if I’m home.”

“No surprises please!”

“You don’t have to wait for an invitation — but you should always ask before stopping by, even if you’re a family member or close friend. Just a quick call or email to see if stopping by would be OK. The person you’re hoping to see might be busy, tired, or unwell, or just not in the mood to speak with or ‘entertain’ someone. If it’s not a good time, he or she (or you) can suggest another time.”

“I want others to wait for an invite, but I think it’s okay to call and ask if you really want to visit and no invitation has been issued.”

“It was drilled into me from a young age — like a vampire — don’t invite yourself over to someone else’s house. Of course, being a social kid, I would send some VERY STRONG HINTS that my friends should invite me over!”

“Nobody wants to come over to my house!”

Poll Requests

As always, reply to this email to make a poll request. We always read our emails and will consider all requests for future polls.

Brought to you by TheFutureParty