OT: What would you have done in this situation???

[DisTeach1]

OMG...I can't BELIEVE this thread. Having lived in California my entire life, I can't even imagine leaving my house unlocked at night or my keys in my ignition. That is just unbelievable to me. Crime is EVERYWHERE. It just goes to show how different some parts of the country are.

However, No, you were right...I would not have let someone in. Many, many people have died at the hands of someone suffering from a mental illness. Maybe I would have thrown a blanket out the window or something, but I would never have let someone in my house.

By the way, UNDERWARE is spelled underwear.

 

[Grendalynn]

By the way, UNDERWARE is speed underwear.

What does this mean?? I am confused...

 

[**eeyore**]

By the way, UNDERWARE is speed underwear.

By the way, SPEED is spelled spelled.

 

[dbarker]

You totally did the right thing.

You do not let strangers into your house. Period. You called for assistance for him (the police). You did your good deed.

Rest easy knowing that you kept your family safe.

 

[mommy-on-the-move]

you definately did the right thing! I agree with the poster who mentioned speaking to him/his family/local police/his social worker about getting some emergency contact numbers for him in the future, it sounds like he could very much have used a familiar face in such a stressful situation (for all of you)

You definately did the right thing, i live in a high crime area and we're always told to wait for the police to arrive.

 

[Magic Maker]

I would have done the same thing only I would have had Mr. Glock in my hand and would have let the person on the other side of the door know about it.

I think I'd start locking doors if I were you.

"Mr. Glock"!!! My husband always says, "I don't know karate, but I know Glock-fu!"

 

[chrisw127]

Wow. You absolutely did the right thing.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just have to say, this story reminded me of my idiot FIL who lives in seacoast NH. A few years ago he stored all the wrapped Christmas presents for the six grandchildren (so there was a huge pile) in his minivan, in the driveway, unlocked -- keys in the ignition. Needless to say, he had to fill out a police report when the presents were taken. I was just surprised they didn't bother to drive the minivan off while they were at it....this is also the same man who told ds cats used to be dogs at the turn of the century before they evolved...no, it was not a joke...

Yes, just because you live in NH does not mean you shouldn't take the most basic precautions. I'm so glad you weren't injured, please, please lock your doors at all times!

 

[DevilDuckie]

As others have said, Lock Your Doors. This is a perfect example of why no matter how safe your neighborhood is, it is never THAT safe.

His illness doesn't factor in. You do not let half naked strangers wander into your home. Your duty is to your family and while compassion is important it must be tempered with responsibility to the safety of your own children. At no point should you let someone in who makes you nervous- especially not if they are trying to force their way in!

 

[_queenie_]

Yes, just because you live in NH does not mean you shouldn't take the most basic precautions.

Funny, I told that same thing to my "too smart to even listen to what my DIL has to say" FIL last week!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Funny, I told that same thing to my "too smart to even listen to what my DIL has to say" FIL last week!

I'd guess we were SIL, but dh doesn't have any brothers!

DH is from Dover, FIL lives in Somersworth. It's not exactly the backwoods!

 

[BigMike10]

I am glad you and your family are safe. Sometimes we all need a little safety reminder. I don't always lock my doors either. My son plays football for the University of New Hampshire. Go Wildcats!!!

 

[penguin087]

I didn't read all the responses but you are never wrong not to let a stranger in his underware into your home at 1AM during a blackout.
I would have done the same thing.

 

[Grendalynn]

I am glad you and your family are safe. Sometimes we all need a little safety reminder. I don't always lock my doors either. My son plays football for the University of New Hampshire. Go Wildcats!!!

Good Stuff! 3of my 4 sisters went there as well! A great school and a kickass football team the past few years! If only their stadium was a bit bigger.... GO WILDCATS!!

 

[Grendalynn]

DH is from Dover, FIL lives in Somersworth. It's not exactly the backwoods!

No, that is certainly a lot more "citified" than us here.... But I have a new outlook on life to say the least!! DH is out moving snow with the loader before we get dumped on again and guess what - they door is LOCKED!!

 

[Whosemom]

We had a similar but less scary circumstance last summer. I was up doing a little computer work around 1am on a warm night with just the screen door closed, when someone says "excuse me" and I about jumped out of my skin. Here stands this 6 foot tall dude (dressed at least LOL) wearing a pair of sunglasses. He says, "I went for a walk and now I am lost. Can I call my case worker?" Woohooo...we are pretty rural, 6 miles from small towns in 3 directions, but on a state route. I have worked with folks with mental illness and "case worker" of course rang like a bell. I said, "dude, your sunglasses past midnight are freaking me out. Take them off so I can see your eyes." and shut the door and got DH, who took the phone out and sat on the porch with him until someone came for him.

Lots of differences...we had light, he had clothes, he responded to a reasonable request (and apologized), he HAD a reasonable request, but most of all, he never made any attempt to enter my house.

I had to take a class on working with sexual predators...the teacher said this wise thing - Learn to trust the hairs on the back of your neck. You gather cues you can't even put your finger on that help your body decide a response.

But, I hate to think that you are feeling like a prisoner in your own home. I agree with a pp that suggested you get to know your neighbor and have contact numbers for his support system. And lock your doors when you are turning in for the night. Does he seem like he would be the kind of guy to break in, or just to come in if it were open? I bet you are ok to go about your day as you always have. For your peace of mind you need to get to know these people, and OH YES! It totally IS your business to ask whatever you need to after someone shows up naked on your door step, so don't be shy.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[budbeerlady]

NO, you did the right thing. I would also lock your doors at night just in case from now on.