Why Australians are ‘dodging’ a knock at the front door

Millions of Australians are dodging knocks at their front doors. Experts reveal the key reasons why and how people can overcome them.

Answering the front door has become too hard to handle for over half of Australians who dodge every knock and doorbell ring at their home.

And it’s caused them to miss food deliveries, and sadly, spending time with loved ones.

About 58 per cent ‘doorbell dodge’, unless they know who it is or are expecting someone, according to smart home security company Ring.

Other reasons include not being dressed appropriately, stuck in the middle of a good TV show, having neighbours who love to chat, or relatives that drop by without notice.

Experts say there are contributing factors which have caused a range of emotions, such as anxiety, apprehension and being surprised.

Dr Louise Mahler, expert in body language, voice and human behaviour.

Behaviour specialist Leanne Hall says a random door knock has created a knock-on effect.

“It interrupts our flow, forcing us to divert our attention away from what we feel is important, even if that’s watching Netflix or doing the washing,” she says.

“We also became a little anxious about being around people due to concerns about catching Covid. Our access to media 24 hours a day means we are flooded with stories about crime and other negative events. This has made us weary and suspicious of the unexpected.”

Are you a self-proclaimed doorbell dodger? Experts explain how you can overcome it.

DOORWAY TO FEAR

Our fear of answering (and opening) doors has exacerbated due to the pandemic, but this wasn’t the case almost 60 years ago,according to Hall.

“Generally, people felt much safer in their homes back then ... there was less access to media reporting global disasters and local crime,” she says.

“During the post-war era of the 1950s, there was a sense of citizenship and community, meaning that neighbourhoods would lookout for one another.

“These days, the world feels bigger and the threats to our safety feel more immediate.”

Dr Louise Mahler, expert in body language, voice and human behaviour, says a lack of trust, hygiene and safety are key reasons among fearful Australians.

“Today, we are aware that people soliciting products may have the intention to see inside the house for later criminal activity or looking to scam us,” she says.

“People can also be worried about a messy house, and given all we went through with Covid-19, there is still that lingering concern to maintain a healthy distance from another.

“We have a lot going on in our minds, so it is not surprising to see higher levels of anxiety and fear in the community than was apparent in generations of the past.”

Hannah Jad is a self-admitted doorbell dodger. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

KEY TO RELIEF

There are ways for people to knock out this bad habit. Mahler says to create a ritual.

“When there is a knock at the door, breathe out, cough, smile, straighten your body, call out to them and repeat a positive mantra,” she says.

According to Hall, it’s important to remember that “just because we’re in fear, it doesn’t mean something bad will happen”.

“It is extremely unlikely that a knock on the door represents something sinister,” she says.

“A video doorbell will allow you to see who is at the door, empowering you to make a choice. Consider what you might be missing out on when dodging the doorbell.”

Hannah Jad, 20, is a self-admitted doorbell dodger, and regularly avoids a knock at the door.

“There have been a few occasions where we’ve had strangers approach our front door for no reason. I’m generally hesitant to answer the door unless I know who it is,” she says.

“Having our video doorbell has made me much more likely to answer the door because I can see who it is first, and know what’s going on outside.”

BEFORE YOU OPEN THE DOOR ...

• Breathe a big breath out instead of taking a breath in. Get all the oxygen out and then let the body drop low to accept a new breath in.

• Do a quick cough to release the tension in your upper body. Stand up straight, which will help with self-confidence.

• Call out and listen to the voice in return. Get as much information as you can before opening the door and you’ll be less surprised.

• Smile. This helps your mood and opens your throat for sound.

• Repeat a positive mantra to yourself such as “this is a new opportunity”.

Source: Dr Louise Mahler, body language, voice and human behaviour expert

Originally published as Why Australians are ‘dodging’ a knock at the front door