Guard bees check everyone at the hive entrance. You’re allowed to screen who gets access to you.

Being open to everyone sounds generous until you notice what it actually costs. Your time, attention and patience are finite, and anyone can spend them if there is nothing at the entrance. Checking who gets in is not coldness, it is upkeep, and it is what lets you be genuinely open to the people you chose.

Think of one person who takes much more than they bring. Reduce the access without reducing the courtesy: slower replies, shorter visits, fewer details. You can be perfectly kind and still not be available every time the door is knocked on.