In the work that I do these days, I frequently go to people's homes to confirm information that they've provided to insurance companies.
And before I get to the door, it is obvious that there is a "woman of the house". It is shown in the little things. Things you probably have at your house.
Whether it is the way that the garden is done, or the little cherub sculptures, or the sayings on rocks in the landscaping, it says "A woman lives here!"
And one thing that I see most often is various forms of little angels carrying signs, or tiles with a message on them, or just a word in the midst of a bunch of flowers. And that word is "Welcome!"
A LITTLE CONFUSED
And, yet, when I ring the doorbell, I am always appraised with concerned, suspicious eyes. And then there's the women who shout through doors, whether because of children or dogs or fear, for me to state my business.
Now, I know that I'm a big guy. People have told me that I intimidate people who don't know me just with my size. So, I can understand a little of that, I guess.
And I also understand that, at least in "the big city", there are a lot of people coming door-to-door to sell things. Usually, they're not particularly welcome.
But I still don't get who it is that is welcome. Because it sure ain't me.
WHO ARE YOU WELCOMING?
Now, my assumption when I see all of those little signs is that they aren't welcoming the person's friends. Certainly, they would already know that they are welcome, right?
I think I'm going to start making modern "Welcome" signs. They'll look like the ones that I see everywhere, except below the welcome, there will be some fine print:
"*Welcome only applies to known parties, parties who live in this neighborhood, or parties who otherwise have been informed that there are, in fact, welcome. Welcome offer is void for all other parties, who will be regarded with suspicion, annoyance, and/or outright hostility."
In reality, I understand much of the suspicion that is unfortunately wise in this day and age. However, if you're going to treat strangers at your door that way, would you please take down all of the cutesy "welcome" signs?
On behalf of strangers everywhere, thank you.
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Aug. 30, 2006 - Welcome