DEAR ABBY: I have a neighbor with a lovely family. While I enjoy talking to them, I don't know how to politely tell her to stay home when I have company. She will send her children to my door selling school items when my adult children are here for dinner. She comes into my yard with her kids when I'm entertaining friends from out of town.
I was brought up that if a neighbor has company, you should stay home unless you were invited. I just want some privacy when I have guests. -- NAMELESS IN THE EAST
DEAR NAMELESS: You do have a problem, because it appears your neighbor is someone who never learned boundaries. Unless you tell the woman that when you're entertaining guests, you want her to respect your privacy, she'll continue inviting herself over. And if you prefer that your guests not be subjected to a sales pitch from her children, when they knock, tell them you have company, can't talk to them right now and close your door.