When I see a sign that says "No Solicitors" I assume that that person does not want to be bothered by anyone. Recently, we've had three solicitors come to our door completely disrespecting the sign they clearly saw because they begin their spiel with "I saw your sign for "No Solicitors." Does that include [Religious affiliation]?" Yes. Yes, it does and you know it does. Jerk.
My husband says, "Yes." Then he closes the door in their faces.
I've had to be more polite because each time I've opened the door, the offending person has had a child under the age of 7 or 8 with them. My response is, "Yes, it does. Please adhere to the sign next time." Most times, I speak directly to the child. I know the adult cannot be trained to change their ways but children still can. This usually gets them to leave immediately.
This utter disrespect bothers me to no end. Why do people assume that they should be allowed to badger me with their religious views? I barely talk religion with my own family and some stranger believes they have a right to preach at me and challenge my beliefs? Screw that.
What happened to common courtesy? I made my wishes clear. I do not want solicitors. Why is it so hard for religious people adhere to this?
My husband says, "Yes." Then he closes the door in their faces.
I've had to be more polite because each time I've opened the door, the offending person has had a child under the age of 7 or 8 with them. My response is, "Yes, it does. Please adhere to the sign next time." Most times, I speak directly to the child. I know the adult cannot be trained to change their ways but children still can. This usually gets them to leave immediately.
This utter disrespect bothers me to no end. Why do people assume that they should be allowed to badger me with their religious views? I barely talk religion with my own family and some stranger believes they have a right to preach at me and challenge my beliefs? Screw that.
What happened to common courtesy? I made my wishes clear. I do not want solicitors. Why is it so hard for religious people adhere to this?
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gaaneden- Jennifer
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Comments
With political groups and donation-seekers, it's more likely that they are under pressure to meet a quota or lose their job (I've been in that boat, although I always respected "no soliciting" signs).
You would probably have better success with a "Beware of Dog" sign. Not that that addresses the desire to see some common courtesy practiced.
I think it's more sad that we've come to a point that people think the rules don't apply to *them* because their case is somehow more special than everyone else's.
That said, I'd think people might take a look at the "do not call" registry and Get. The. Hint. But that's a consistent failing of mine - assuming others follow similar logic to me.
Because only "little people" think the Golden Rule applies to themselves.
Things that have helped me: I used to have a sign that read "Welcome to the Witch's Inn. Trespassers will be persecuted" but it's a little weather damaged now, and I'm lazy about repairing it.
Although, the big pentacle mirror in my living room usually makes them turn around and leave when I answer the door now anyway.
And I don't think it's ordinary entitlement as some are suggesting, so much as the natural effect of their religious beliefs themselves. Because if I genuinely believed I was about to save someone's life, I would absolutely risk a little rudeness to do so. And I would take it in stride if the person sniped at me for it. After all, they believe that their message will save you from everlasting torment. It would be illogical for them to let something as small as a sign get in the way of what matters.
Yeeeah. That never wins points.
I was raised/grew up in a Protestant sect that banned/frowned heavily on evangelical outreach like door bell ringing. All I can really say is that missionaries are taught to be dogged about 'bringing people to the Lord' and don't view what they're doing as selling their deity of choice.
I would make a sign saying, "No solicitors or evangelists" and see if that helps. "No Solicitors- No Religious Groups" might also work. I used to have one that said, "I already have a newspaper, a vacuum cleaner and a religion and am happy with all three" which worked.
and the first day we were in the house i watched some Jehovah's Witnesses come up to our door and start to knock ignoring the "No Solicitors" sign but then they saw the Mezuzah and walked away.
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/dal/330728336.html
Sounds like my kind of guy. :)