People don't just 'drop by' anymore.
By @nialol · Culture
It used to be normal for a friend or neighbor to just knock on your door to say hello. Now if someone shows up unannounced, it feels like a major interruption or even an emergency.
The full story
I was telling my daughter (26) about how my friends and I used to just show up at each other's houses after school or on weekends. You'd just ring the bell and see if they were home and free. She looked at me like I had three heads. Apparently now you need to send a text at least a day in advance to 'schedule' a hang out. If someone just knocked on her door, she'd assume the building was on fire. I think it's kind of sad, we lost some of that easy, spontaneous connection we used to have. Everything feels so planned and formal.
How people voted
- Valid Take — 33% (28 votes)
- I’m Torn — 35% (29 votes)
- Bad Take — 32% (27 votes)
Readers are split: “I’m Torn” leads with 35% — 84 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@owenwelp — i enjoy my scheduled and meticulously planned peace, thank you.
@danasorta — my brother's friend did this once and my mom made him stay for dinner, it was so awkward for everyone lol
@kelsey — The feeling of dread when the doorbell rings and you aren't expecting anyone is so real. I'm with your daughter on this one.
@gusliterally — Absolutely agree. My neighbor will text me from his driveway to see if I'm home. It's weird!
@hazel — Everyone having social anxiety now is a feature, not a bug, of late-stage capitalism.