DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have always locked the front door after a guest or delivery person has left my home. My husband says this is rude, as it implies I am either happy someone is gone or afraid a stranger will be dangerous.
Is it rude to lock my front door after showing someone out of it? If my husband is home, is locking it unnecessary since I’m not alone? If I’m alone in my home when seeing people out, is it not considered rude, but rather a smart safety measure?
I would appreciate your insight, as I am not doing it to send a message of rudeness but rather out of my own fear of having an unlocked door.
GENTLE READER: Do you mind asking your husband to run through his vision of the effect of locking the door on those departing? Miss Manners is glad to hear that he is thinking of others, but she is puzzled.
Does the guest who is retiring after a pleasant visit hear the click of the lock and conclude that going back in and asking for another drink would be unwelcome? Does the delivery person slink off to the next delivery with hurt feelings?
Your husband is offering a solution to a nonexistent problem. Miss Manners suggests that he redirect his compassion to your feelings and your safety.