I have some anxiety about knocking on closed doors, to see if anyone is in the room or if it is safe for me to come in. Through the closed door, I usually will not hear if the person said, "Come in." or "Don't come in."I have had many embarrassing experiences with walking in when I thought someone said, "Come in!" when really they said, "Just a minute!"
I have learned that it is best not to say anything and just wait until someone opens the door, unless I can make out someone telling me to come in.
Today, I knocked on a closed door of the office of a school principal. I thought I heard something, but I did not want to risk opening the door or responding. I wasn't sure if she was even in there. I stood there quietly, waiting. I told myself I would give her 5 minutes. Suddenly, the door opened. "Oh, it's you. I said, "Come in." but I guess you did not hear me," she said, smiling. I told her about my past experiences with walking in when I shouldn't have. She totally understood and we began our meeting.
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Photo from Flckr
yea, I'm the same way too. If I am not sure what I heard, I usually wait for a few min and if no one opens the door then I just leave. It's better that way. lol No knowing what you'll find.
ReplyDeleteIn my office, everyone knows I'm hoh, so it's not a problem.
Candy~
As much as I try and cover the bases with my son I never thought about this! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI solve this issue by knocking and announcing my name, while waiting. That way the person in the room knows it's me and why I'm not opening the door. Simple! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, heck yes! It is even worse ringing doorbells at the home of an older person! I never have understood why people of a certain generation want to talk through a closed door - makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteI'd have a glass storm/security door installed if I were nervous about answering my front door.
David
I share a room with an OT and she always asks, "why don't you just tell them to come in?" How many times must I explain that, especially through thick schoolroom doors, it's impossible for my students to hear clearly? I know they make flasher lights to alert D/hh people that there is somebody at the door, but they need to make outdoor flashers as well. Something like: one flash for "wait," two flashes for "come in." :)
ReplyDeleteI usually also wait for the person to open the door. Most often I am knocking on my housemates' doors, and they know me now so will just come right to the door to let me in.
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