DEAR ANNIE: We recently moved into a new house and in just three months have had a parade of lawyers knocking on our door or ringing our doorbells. After the sixth one, I got so frustrated that I started using the Ring app on my phone to answer them remotely because I just didn’t want to deal with it anymore.

However, if I ignore them, they often come back later! It’s like they don’t understand — or don’t care — that they’re not welcome.

To try and solve the problem, we even went out and purchased several “No Trespassing” and “No Solicitation” signs that are clearly visible from the street. And yet, despite these signs, they still have the nerve to walk right onto our property and knock on our door! I don’t get it — what’s wrong with these people? Can’t they respect our privacy and follow the obvious signs?

It becomes more than a nuisance; it’s really unsettling. There’s something about strangers knocking on your door uninvited that makes you feel unsafe in your own home. These lawyers are even worse than junk mail or email spammers because, unlike a spam message in my inbox, they physically invade my personal space. I don’t think these people realize how intrusive and inappropriate their actions feel.

Please help spread the word that most of us don’t want strangers showing up at our door uninvited. It’s not just annoying, it’s bothersome to have to deal with this constantly. — Sick of lawyers

Dear Lawyer Sick: If you have already put up signs and asked the lawyers to stop, then at that point they are trespassing on your property. Next time you’re faced with this problem, consider asking your neighbors what they’re doing. You might even join together and see if the police can enforce a no-solicitation policy in your neighborhood.

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DEAR ANNIE: I am writing in response to the letter about the friend who was rejected and not invited to join the group. True friendship is built on respect, kindness, and mutual support, not on belittling or hurtful behavior. The writer sounds like a thoughtful and sensitive person, someone who values ​​meaningful connections and deserves friendships that are nurturing and reciprocal.

In such situations, it’s best to let go of the hurt by forgiving the person — not necessarily for their sake, but for your own peace of mind. Holding on to resentment only deepens the wound. Forgive them, wish them well and move on, knowing that you are making room in your life for people who truly appreciate you. Sometimes outgrowing certain relationships is a natural part of life and can lead to finding deeper and more fulfilling connections.

As painful as it may be, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to let go of a so-called friendship that no longer serves you. Pray for the snubber, forgive them, and focus your energy on friendships that uplift and nourish your spirit. — Forgiveness is a gift

Dear Forgiveness: I am printing your thoughtful letter because it highlights the importance of forgiveness, not only for the sake of the person who wronged you, but also for your own mental and emotional well-being. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on one of my favorite subjects — the power of forgiveness.

With all that you are bombarded with outside your home, you have every right to protect the peace and sanctity inside your home.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].