Hi all,
I'm currently getting quotes for siding on my house and had a pretty uncomfortable experience with one contractor. I'm a 31-year-old woman with three young daughters (9, 7, and 4), and while gathering quotes, this older gentleman seemed harmless enough, but he asked some really personal questions. For instance, he wanted to know if I have a husband and if all the kids are mine. Honestly, these questions felt totally unrelated to getting a siding quote and made me uneasy about sharing my personal information and address with a stranger.
My boyfriend thinks I might be overreacting and that he's just from a different generation where such questions are harmless small talk. But part of me wonders whether it's better to just tell contractors I have a husband to keep things safer. I really hate the idea of lying, though, and I just want to make the right call. Should I trust my instincts and be cautious? Thanks for your input!
3 Answers
There's always a risk when dealing with strangers in your home, especially as a woman with kids. Trust your feelings and prioritize your safety. If this contractor raises alarms, don't hesitate to look for another one. They're a dime a dozen!
I feel you on this! If he makes you uneasy, definitely skip him and find someone you trust.
Always go with your instincts. His questions were way out of line and are definitely not normal for a contractor. Practice saying "that's not appropriate" and don't hesitate to send them on their way if you feel uncomfortable!
I know, right? It's something I need to work on myself. Saying no feels so hard sometimes.
Yeah! Seriously, small talk is fine but along those lines just raises too many red flags.
Totally trust your gut here! If it feels off, it probably is. You might consider responding vaguely to questions about your personal life, like saying you're the only decision-maker. That way, you’re keeping it professional without having to lie.
Love that approach! It definitely sends the message to back off without needing to create a false narrative.
What if you say you’ll discuss it with your brothers instead? It shows you're not alone and makes it clear you'd be making the final choice.
Totally! It's just a quote; no need to compromise on your comfort for someone who may not respect boundaries.