Anyone else just HATE answering the phone?

[DemonLlama]

Inspired by a thread about answering the door, I wondered if anyone other than me, and my son whom I've infected, really hates to answer the phone before I know who it is. I screen the calls with the answering maching and pick up when it is someone I want or need to talk to. This drives my husband absolutely nuts, though.

My parents gave me a Telezapper as a Christmas present, but it only filters out certain calls. How many times am I going to be asked to refinance my mortgage? take out more insurance? make contributions?

When hubby is home and can't get to the phone for some reason, he wants me to answer it, so I've taken to answering and hanging up quickly if there is a pause after I say hello. With that pause, I am 99% certain it is a telemarketer using a dialing program. In the 1% of cases, my mother in law calls right back, only slightly irritated

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I remember growing up, we used to race for the phone. Now, I almost always let the answering machine get it. If it is someone I know, then I'll pick it up, but if it's a telemarketer, etc., I don't worry about it.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Caller ID works wonders. You can "screen" without having to wait for the answering machine to pick up! Also, we have Privacy Director in association with Caller ID. If someone tries to call with a blocked number, it rolls to Privacy Director and the caller has to identify themself before it rings through to the house.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Yes, I do this too....In addition to the hiding from people at the door thing....We have caller ID and an answering machine, just in case I don't feel like talking to ANYBODY.

 

[Patrick IL.]

I let it ring and ring and ring..... Have it set for only 4 rings If one of the other three adults choose to pick it up its thier decision. If not I can always check the voice mail/caller ID later My favorite question is "Dad why did you not pick up the phone?" I tell them I was busy watching tv or concentrating on not picking up the phone...I know its not for me anyways

 

[dtuleya]

Caller ID is the most wonderful invention. I still hate those "Private Number" and "Unknown Number" callers.

 

[Gary M]

One great thing Indiana has, is a do not call telemarketer list. If you don't want telemarketing calls, you can contact the Attorney Generals Office and ask to be put on the do not call list. It is free. It works.

 

[d.kurz]

Not only do I hate answering the phone, I hate talking on the phone. Just state your business and hang up, please. Or better yet, e-mail me!

 

[flrose]

I am on the phone all day a work. By the time I get home I don't want to talk to anyone, even my family, LOL. So, the answering machine does it's job and if it's important they'll call back!!!!

 

[Eileen janice]

After spending 8 hours answering the phone at work, sometime it feels like about 200 phone calls with just as many problem, I do not answer the phone when I come home from work.

 

[glo]

I hardly ever pick up the phone home...it is either for my oldest DD or my DH, or if not then it is a solicitation...no one ever calls me on my home phone I answer my cell only if it is someone I know. I have one friend who comes out caller unknown on my cell, so I always pick it up, but man I hate when it is a solicitation and not my friend

 

[katerkat]

People get phone calls? We only get calls for someone else... No one call our land line anymore. Not even telemarketers!

 

[Talking Hands]

I only answer the regular phone if I know it is some whose voice I can understand. Otherwise I let the answering seervice answer and then my husband can listen to that. He takes my messages off and gives them to me.
Now call me on my TTY and I'll talk forever.

 

[snoopy]

I almost never answer my phone - DH answers it if he is here, otherwise, it doesn't get answered.

 

[Wheelsie]

well what about using either annonymouse call blocker or Privacy manager..then you dont have to race to listen to the answering machin and your husband is happy cuz if its someone you want to talk to he doesnt have to listen to the phone ring

 

[Kermit]

I can't stand answering the phone. I've never liked it. When I got out of college, I had a job doing tech support over the phone, and I absolutely hated it every time I answered the phone.

 

[powellrj]

caller id is the best $10 a month I spend!

 

[tc]

Here's another vote for caller id. I love it. Even if it's someone I know, I sometimes let voice mail take it. I hate answering the phone. I get it if it's Sarah or Kimmi, but that's about it. Stephen can't stand not answering it. But, when we're watching a movie, he'll let it ring, but checks messages as soon as it's over. I have long standing issues with the phone. I don't like to make calls either.

 

[DemonLlama]

Me either! It's a phone phobia. I hate calling people. I'd rather email or talk face to face than have to use the phone.

 

[WDWfanatic288]

caller id! I only answer after I see what the caller ID says...it really making me mad when I'm trying to sleep and all these telemarketers call!!! grrr....!

I'm not a big fan of phones...espically calling people I don't know very well!! I hate even calling in pizza...I make my mom do it! I finally got over my fear of going through drivethroughs at fast food places!