NOTHING irks me more than impatient people at the gate ringing the doorbell as though the gate would open immediately when they press that blessed button. And, as if pressing once isn't enough, they'd press the doorbell again and again until someone answers it. This can go on for up to a minute or more.
Do you know how long one minute can feel like? Think of it in terms of a commercial. Yes, a commercial, which can be anything from 10 seconds to two whole minutes. You can tell a full story in that time. Imagine the prolonged sound of the doorbell and how it can drive anyone bonkers!
Of course, the irritation level largely depends of the type of doorbell you've installed, whether it's like the ring of a school bell or some sweet chimes. Whatever it is, the sound of the doorbell can be shrill enough to rile you up if it goes on incessantly.
While this may sound like a rant, it's actually more of a plea for people to be more considerate. Doorbells are there for a reason. It's to let the person inside the house know that someone is outside for you. It shouldn't be an instrument of torture or a device designed to irritate.
When you ring a doorbell, do you ever consider that the person inside may be upstairs or need time to answer the door? That person could be in prayer, in the toilet or just need time to reach the door, especially if he or she has mobility issues.
UNDUE STRESS
A few things can result from this seemingly simple issue; it can cause undue stress to the person inside the house or it can actually injure someone as they rush to answer the door.
This stress response isn't good for anyone of any age. It can increase your stress hormones and pile on to whatever stress you may already have in your life.
According to an article in the Harvard Health Publishing by the Harvard Medical School, "Unfortunately, the body can also overreact to stressors that aren't life-threatening, such as traffic jams, work pressure and family difficulties."
It added, "Over the years, researchers have learnt not only how and why these reactions occur, but have also gained insight into the long-term effects chronic stress has on physical and psychological health. Over time, repeated activation of the stress response takes a toll on the body." Research suggests that such stress factors contribute to hypertension, anxiety depression, obesity and even addiction.
For a caregiver in the middle of doing something that can't be abandoned on the spot, like tube-feeding or changing diapers, an impatient person at the door is added stress. How about ringing just once, or even twice at the most, and then wait a minute or two for someone to answer?
Imagine if that person inside hurrying to answer that doorbell were to trip and fall. Broken bones notwithstanding, fractures, sprains and bumps are painful. Elderly people should avoid falls at all cost.
We always tell people to be careful when moving around the house, and keeping paths clear of obstacles like carpets that have upturned edges and small floor decorations or toys. Telling ourselves not to rush to the door when the doorbell rings is another one to add to the list.
MINDFULNESS AND KINDNESS
For many of us, getting up and going to answer the doorbell is a response that's been ingrained since young. It's almost like a "fight-or-flight response". where the sound triggers you into action and to react quickly.
We've been told not to keep people waiting and be considerate for those outside because it's raining or too hot... etc.
However, this consideration should go both ways. It's the same like answering the phone. In the days of landlines, you'd rush to the phone as soon as it rings. Even with mobile or cordless phones, if the phone isn't right there next to you, you'd get all flustered until the call is answered.
You need to tell yourself: "Relax. They'll call back if it's important." They can always leave a message, whether it's a voice or text message, although not everyone likes to do that. People in the delivery service should also be trained to be more patient too.
While they've been such a blessing since the Covid-19 pandemic and their business has boomed since, they shouldn't forget the people factor, too. Their apps are programmed and take into consideration actual delivery times.
They send messages to say that the rider/driver is on the way so that we can be ready to meet and receive the items without too much time wasted in between. However, when you're dealing with unpredictable situations, some semblance of patience should be practiced. We can always incorporate mindfulness and kindness into our lives.
(The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.)
Putri Juneita Johari volunteers for the Special Community Society of Ampang. She can be reached at [email protected].
