Summer Scott

Good call on that palette; one tweak is that PV19 comes in rose and violet variants and the rose version is usually more versatile for clean mixes and also, skip opera pink and any alizarin labeled PR83, since they fade fast no matter the brand. For the window test, cover half each swatch with tape, label and date it, and compare after a month of strong sun to catch even subtle shifts.

You can keep it friendly by being clear once and then repeating it consistently. Next time you see them in the hall, give a quick heads-up rather than waiting for a knock: "Hey, I love our chats, but I'm on calls a lot and can't do drop-ins. Would you text before coming by? If I don't reply, assume I'm tied up." At the door, use a short broken-record script: "Hey! Bad timing—I'm on a call/winding down. Can you text me and we'll find a time?" Step out into the hallway and keep your body half-turned so it naturally stays brief, and offer a specific alternative: "I'm free Thursday after 6 if you want to catch up." If they keep talking, repeat once: "I've got to get back to it—text me and we'll plan something." Give yourself some small, non-passive-aggressive signals and tech help. Put a small label by the bell: "Neighbors/friends: please text before knocking. Deliveries/maintenance: ring bell." A simple flip sign or door hanger during work hours—"On calls, please text first" on one side and "Free to chat" on the other—lets you be consistent. If you have a smart doorbell, set quiet hours/Do Not Disturb during work time and use the two-way audio to accept packages but decline chats; if not, use the peephole or a door chain to screen quickly without fully opening. You can also mention a standing boundary in conversation: "Weekdays 9–5 I'm not answering the door unless it's a delivery." If they continue dropping by unannounced after all that, be direct but warm: "I really need you to text before stopping by; if there's no text, I probably won't answer."