Ms Futz,
Keep your door locked (good habit anyway). If anyone knocks on your door, ask who it is before you open the door (another good habit). You are not obliged to open the door just because someone knocks on it. You can carry on a conversation with the door closed. The conversation may just be shorter which may be a good thing!
Get a peep hole and always use it. If you decide to open the door there are several things you might do. You can open it just a little to see and judge if you want further contact with them. This is even better if you have a chain on the door. It helps to create a "barrier" between you and the caller.
You can open the door a little wider so that more of your body can be seen but your hand remains on the door knob, another cautious barrier on your part. And then you may or may not invite them into your home.
It is indeed your home, your castle and YOU decide who comes in and YOU decide who leaves and when if it comes to that. If anyone violates your wishes, then you can escalate. But, be careful with that since you live there, you don't wish retaliation.
Use your good common sense. We love you and only wish the best for you.
Remember:
- Always keep your door locked
- Always use your peep hole
- Always ask who is there
- Decide whether to open the door or not
- Partially open the door or
- Open the door a little more but keep your hand on the doorknob or
- Open the door and remove your hand from the doorknob to "signal" that YOU invite them in.
Stay safe.