Strangers - Oswego,IL

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Hi A., I have not read your other responses, but I do feel the same way as you. We had a problem with a Direct TV installation tech. He was so creepy. I called Direct TV and told them what was happening, and they instructed me to lock my doors (he was on the roof at this time) and they would tell him to leave, not to let him in and if I had any problems to call 911. Well, he wouldn't leave, and I did have to call the police. I had my neighbor come over so I was not alone, and she agreed at how scary this guy was. One thing I learned, when calling someone to your house, please request that they be an employee of that compnay. Alot of companies now hire third party contractors to come out and they do not always do background checks, as I had found out. Please request an employee hired by that company, ask about background checks and request someone with great feedback. I had no idea you could request a technician with great feedback too. When they sent the tech out hired by Direct TV, in their company vehicle (the other guy had his own vehicle) it was a night and day difference. Go with your gut instict, better to be safe!! :)

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I am 100% with you. I don't feel comfortable being alone in the house when someone is making repairs or doing work. Unfortunately, my husband can't be with me all the time when these things need to be done. What I've done in the past is if I know someone is coming to do work during the week, I will make sure that I invite a friend over or something while the work is being done. If the person has a question or what have you then I call my husband. I also call my husband to let him know when the person has arrived and when they have left and I make sure that they are present when I have made the call. I actually make the call when I hear the knock at the door so if the person had ill intentions I would already be on the line.

I realize that these measures are overcautious; however, it is something that helps to set my crazy, imaginative mind at ease. Hope this helps you.

I have two large dogs so I am never home alone.

You are not crazy and he should be home with you or schedule the repair when he can be there. You don't know these people and your husband should not want you there alone with some repairman that you don't know. Make all repair appointment at a time when you know your husband will be home.

I had a neighbor call me and ask me to "drop by" for a fake visit once b/c delivery people were coming to her house and she didn't want to be alone. It was actually kinda fun!

For myself... I have a big dog. :))

Wanted to add:

It might be a good idea, if you are these nervous all the time (you mentioned change of life making you feel intimidated often), to look around for a self-defense course you could take. Everything I have ever read or heard, acknowledges that people who "look like victims" are the ones usually chosen by the victimizers. If you are self-confident and assertive, someone looking to take advantage will wait and find someone who is a better "fit" in the role of victim. Most martial arts schools offer some type of class like this. Or check out a community center in your area.

I totally understand. I'm usually the one at home for the repairs with my three young children which makes me really nervous. The world is becoming a more dangerous place and there are always "horror" stories floating around. i usuaaly try to also have my retired parents over at the house with me whenever the repair guy is coming. You can never be to safe, only sorry!

I would suggest only using reputable companies and have your husband call to "check in" periodically. If you don't answer the phone, he comes home immediately- no questions asked. This is the system we have in our house. It has never been an issue, but after our son was born I found that I was less comfortable with strangers in the house. I also usually tell a neighbor- we are a close community and everyone watches out for one another. That way, if something doesn't feel right you can call someone to "stop by".

I don't really have an answer for you - but I am the same way too. My husband is also with me on that and usually tries to be at home as much as possible in such cases. I try and hang about the front door most of the times. I always keep my phone with me and usually will tell a friend/ husband that I will call at such and such time and to check on me if they don't hear from me. But I know the feeling!!

Good luck.

I am the same way. We try to schedule things around when my husband has a day off, but it doesn't usually work out. I actually keep a hunting knife near me when they are there (not out in the open but somewhere near me in the living room, which is where i stay the entire time they're there...with my phone on me as well). If they have a question I don't know, I call my husband or father-in-law. My husband checks in with me, also, after the estimated amount of time that the guy is going to be there. My fears became serious after I started having children; too many strangers out there that want to hurt people. We do try and use people we know or have used many times (and ask for the same guy to come out from the companies we use).
Strangers scare me...probably because of all the stories and news out there about weirdos. Don't feel bad at all, just make a plan to keep yourself safe and keep your phone on you. I try to leave my front door open as well. The screen/glass door is closed but I live in a townhome community and it is very easy to see in when i leave the door open, so my neighbors who I know are home during the day could easily see if something was wrong.
I wish we could all be a little more trusting, but it's hard these days. Just don't become overwhelmed with the fear. Having a plan is always a good way to fight the fears.

I get scared too. It's uncomfortable letting a stranger in your house, no doubt! I work from home so I get stuck with this all the time. One thing you can do is call your husband once they are there and once they leave. I look around outside and am aware if there is a neighbor home. I always have the phone with me or I'm talking on it. I have a hands free headset for work that I use. Next time you have a repair person over - use it as an opportunity to call someone you haven't talked to for a while or even make your hubby stay on the phone with you while the repairman is there......
This is not abnormal at all!!!!
Another fear of mine is people who come to your door during the day. I learned from a friend to either ignore it or litterally say I am not going to open the door unless I know who it is and why you are here. It's usually people solicitating or someone from a church other than the one I go to. I tell them if they have anything they want to leave they can leave it outside.
There are crazy people out there! This is why we are scared!!!!
I get that your husband can't be there for every housecall that is made. Mine can't either. Just be safe and aware, that's all you can really do. Your hubby must understand your concerns.

Time to get out more, meet new people, & boost that self-esteem! Have gatherings at your house, & learn to relax again. Lots of choices, lots of possibilities out there! Enjoy!

If you use companies you know and are reliable, what is the fear? These people are bonded, insured and there to do the work, not spook you.

I have usually been the one home for repairs, etc because my husband travels and can't be here. I am used to it and it doesn't bother me in the least. I suppose having 3 dogs does not hurt either.

Even with the dogs, I am not afraid to be in my house with someone though. When I answer the door, my confidence shows and it is clear I am not afraid and I will take care of myself.

Maybe you need to take a class to up your self confidence, learn some relaxation/anxiety techniques and self defense techniques.

If you present your aura as scared, anyone can pick up on that. Get out and do something to build your confidence. What is hubby is gone? You must be able to manage things without being fearful.

You should know when you have scheduled repairman coming to your home and if you are not expecting repair, have not set up an appointment, don't have whatever it is they want to repair, then use your common sense and don't open the door.

Good luck to you with overcoming this fear.

Not knowing the answer is one thing, being scared is totally different. If I am prepared for a home repair visit, it's not a problem - if something has been scheduled on your house, you should have the heads ups (example- we had someone look at our chimney - I didn't know and I was like, what the he** is that noise?!?). When they are qualifed repair-people, are they really strangers (after all, when you buy products at stores, are you talking to employees or strangers?). You are paying people for a service. If you are really concerned, they should have a problem presenting their credentials so you can call their office to confirm that they should be there.
If you are still concerned, when you choose a company, verify that they do background checks. Other than that, relax a little. Think of the times it didn't matter - nothing has changed. You can't close yourself off to regular daily activities.