Sometimes somebody will call, usually a friend or somebody but for one reason or another I just don't want to deal with them. Am I being an asshole by just not answering their calls? I kind of feel that it's my right, but some people get pissed about it.
2007-09-15 11:02:29 · 17 answers · asked by David 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I do it sometimes as well. But later on, I call back and usually make some lame excuse about not answering - I didn't hear the phone, was taking a shower or something like that,and talk to the person about whatever they wanted.
But if you have that issue about a certain person than it is not about not answering because you don't want to deal with them at that moment, but because you don't want to deal with them! Then you should first make things clear with yourself, then with the person. It's easier to have things straight!
2007-09-15 11:11:18 · answer #1 · answered by hellothere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. My husband and I come from large families and we also have a good number of friends. Our phone rings off the hook. We hate it, not the people calling but the constant ringing. There is no way to talk to everyone, we would never get anything done. There are many times when I just don't feel like talking, especially ones that go on and on about nothing. I especially get disturbed over the people who call and say "pick up the phone, I know you are there, you are probably sitting there listening to me." Give me a break! I do try to call most people back, eventually.
2007-09-16 06:51:56 · answer #2 · answered by hlp4U1799 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, you lose.
If you have a phone number and give it out, you should expect calls to come in from time to time.
If you don't want to talk to someone, especially telemarketers, then pick it up and tell them so. Don't be lazy about it, clean up your list! Nobody calls unless you want them to....
If a friend calls and you don't pick up the phone to answer, what kind of friend would you be to them?
2007-09-15 20:42:25 · answer #3 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's your phone, and your choice whether or not to answer.
And how would someone get pissed about you not answering the phone unless they KNEW you were there and decided to ignore them? Are you telling them?
If so, don't. Causes hurt feelings. What they don't know won't hurt them.
2007-09-15 18:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by SUSAN P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A phone call is an invitation, not a demand. I ignore calls when I have other priorities, even if it's just a peaceful evening.
It's rude not to return their call later; I also pick up or call back immediately if it's an emergency.
2007-09-15 18:22:20 · answer #5 · answered by Buttercup 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO, its your perogative whether you answer the phone or not, i personally screen my calls all the time. just because you have a phone, does not obligate you to answer. sometimes i feel like phones are an invasion of my privacy, lol. they make you too accessible. everyone i know, know that if i dont answer, to leave a message saying what they want and if i feel like it, i'll call them back... its entirely up to you.
2007-09-15 18:22:04 · answer #6 · answered by me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have caller ID....If so, that is why we have it; to screen calls. If your friends don't like it, then tell them not to call anymore. By the way, HOW do they know you are not picking up when you ARE home? It would be stupid to tell them; you're not stupid are you? I doubt it.
That reminds me, I have a very dear friend how has begun a new phone carrier, and he show up as UNKNOWN on my caller ID now. I don't know of anyone with half a brain that picks up on "Unknown" callers, do you?
2007-09-15 18:18:56 · answer #7 · answered by Mezmarelda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you're wrong at all! I do it sometimes, but it isn't b/c I don't want to talk to that one specific person -- it's that I don't want to talk on the phone to anyone at that moment. I like to call it, "the power of the telephone": if you don't want to talk to anyone, you don't have to answer their call; if you don't want to talk to a specific person, you check out your caller ID then don't answer it; if you don't like the way someone is talking to you, you can simply hang up! Just my own personal way of handling telephone issues, hope it helps!
2007-09-15 18:26:00 · answer #8 · answered by Laura H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate talking on the phone, even with people who I really care for and love. Can't go past 15 minutes and 20 minutes is pure torture.
2007-09-15 18:19:40 · answer #9 · answered by Alex B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is your right and it is why Voice Mail was created! But you should call them back evantually, in a timely manner.
I'm peed off right now with my friend Erica. I've been leaving messages all week and all I get is some random e-mail!
2007-09-15 18:11:00 · answer #10 · answered by Ari 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋