my home is my sanctuary .. solicitors are the bird poop on my beach towel

I just refuse to live like that. I'm not scared of answering the door or walking down the street, I wouldn't brandish a gun at someone just for knocking on the door. If I get brutally murdered then so be it, I would rather live free and easy like I do than live to be 99 in a self-made prison with bars, cameras, alarms, signs and guns. I'm not telling anyone else how to live, but I myself will not live a huddling, paranoid existence. I'm aware of my surroundings and I don't take needless risks but that's about where I draw the limit.

@Cabin_Mama
No one is paranoid. Just being cautious. I live a full and fabulously entertaining life with a lot of social activities. Typically don't meet a stranger. But if I speak to you and you mock me and mouth words, yet none come out... Go away.

@DaycareMom @brightlights FREAKING HILARIOUS!

@West-TexYou should watch his full comedy special(s). He is hilarious!!

@TheCatsMeow :A long time ago I had a similar attitude. That was before I started traveling on business, usually by myself. I got so bored been in a hotel room by myself that when I went out to eat I would engage random people. I've met some interesting folks over the years... and it made the difference between been just locked up in a hotel room vs going out into the town and do something I wouldn't do just by myself.

Meeting strangers in public places is one thing, having a man come to the door of your home is another. I am the most social girl you will ever meet-I love people but my home is my sacred, private place-a retreat-a safe place for my family. A place I don't have to and should not have to wear a bra!!! In this day and age and area, I think it is very rude esp if you are a man to go up to someones door in the middle of the day-the majority of people home at that time are mothers with young children. We finally put up a no soliciting sign because it happened all the freaking time. I'd be in my pjs, just exhausted, nursing a baby, the others finally down for a nap and suddenly "DING DONG KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK" Tree services, roofing companies, electricity services, we want to paint your house numbers on the curb ect ect ect. Drove me nuts. They still come knocking- even after the sign-two men stood outside my door w clipboards just last week knocking and talking for like 5 minutes-the sign right in their face, my minivan full of car seats in the driveway- they are completely disrespectful of your home and your privacy for knocking in the first place esp if you have a sign. No means No!!!

@mommythrice
Thank you. And kudos for nursing. #breastR4milk

My motto is "better safe, than sorry" or "better alive, than dead". If you don't think anything bad can happen to you, whether it be from solicitors, or strangers walking down a dark street, don't kid yourselves. There is ALWAYS someone looking for just the right target. Always.

My doorbell stopped working shortly after I moved in, best thing that could've happened....With the exception of the time I missed the ups man with a very special delivery 😁
I don't answer the door for anyone I don't know. I will look at the window and let them know I see them but not answering, they eventually get the hint.

I have enjoyed reading all the viewpoints here today...I will add that, as others have stated, safety is obviously important...but if you carry yourself as a victim, you will become one. Predators are looking for the weak to take advantage of....I always answer my door, as I want people to know that I'm not scared. I carry myself the same way when I'm out and about. I pride myself on being someone that looks like she doesn't take any crap, lol. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely friendly, just also extremely street smart.By and large, this area is extremely safe. I cringe when people say the area is bad, as I assume that they have probably not had the pleasure of spending time in an real "bad" area. I have, I grew up in Alief, an actual bad area. Atascocita is a 180 from that area of town.

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@mommythrice, I'm originally from Chicago. I know dangerous cities...Are parts of Houston dangerous, certainly. Is this area safer than most areas in Houston? Definitely. Is it crime free? Obviously not....I moved from a townhouse near Uptown Park, to a house we built in Summerwood in 2004. This area is much safer than that seemingly nice high end area near the Galleria, and my workplace on 610 and San Felipe. I now live in Eagle Springs, which I consider to be a wonderful neighborhood.I never underestimate what other people may be capable of. I trust my instincts in all situations. I am not naive. I have been the victim of crime, and it made me stronger....and because of that I refuse to live in fear.***edited to add I enjoyed reading your comment even if it is now removed. I appreciate different takes on things, and I'm sorry to hear about yr mom and sister...

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@mommythrice, like I said above, I have been a crime victim....and I certainly didn't say I give strangers the benefit of the doubt, so maybe that was directed to someone else...?