Is it rude not to answer your home phone?

Question

I almost never answer my phone, preferring instead to "let the machine get it" and then returning calls when convenient. I usually check the messages promptly and an urgent call would be returned right away. But why should I put up with interruptions to whatever I am doing, whether it is reading with my kids or even watching a show?

Answer 1

You pay the bill so it's your call....hey that's funny!

Answer 2

It's really really annoying when you are trying to get a hold of someone and they NEVER answer their phone. However, i understand where you are coming from because I am the same way. I work from home a lot, or babysit etc. and I can't always get to the phone or want to answer and chit chat at that particular moment: I have a very busy schedule. We get SO many 1-800 calls a day (10-12 a day), that ignoring is necessary. Neverthles, if it's somebody who has been trying ot reach me a lot or somebody who I know probably needs to talk right away, I answer. Otherwise, i listen to messages or check caller ID and call back.

So if you are responding to messages promptly, I don't think that's rude, but make sure you are on top of it. If the same person calls several times, they will think you don't like them or want to talk if you never answer. Also, check your caller ID because not everyone leaves a message, even if it is important.

Answer 3

It's not rude exactly, but it may be contrary to what is usual and customary in your family. So be prepared to take some "flak" no matter how much you're within your rights. That said, you need to get started training these people. Warn them ahead of time that you and your lady are planning a quiet weekend and won't be welcoming visitors. Get a pencil and paper "message center" type thingy to hang on your door with the announcement "You've come at a bad time. Please leave a message." When it comes to the phone, first ask them gently not make the 2-in-a-row calls unless there is truly an emergency. If they don't respect your request, warn them that won't be answering ANY of their calls unless they learn to leave a message and wait patiently for you to call back at a time that is convenient to YOU. Stick to your guns on this and after a few weeks (months? years?) of hard feelings, eventually even pushy, insistant people will have to accept that the if they wish to enter your home and speak to you on the phone, they will have to do so on YOUR terms -- not theirs.

Answer 4

I agree. There is no reason to be a slave to the phone with the technology we have today. Just because someone calls doesn't mean you are in a position to take it and sometimes it borders on rudeness to do so. Family time should be just that and that includes dinner. And we don't answer during a favorite show either.

Answer 5

No, you do not have to answer your phone when it is not convenient for you. Nor do you have to answer the door. I rarely give out my cell number. When my cell rings, I know that it's important. I like your approach of "let the machine get it". I've been thinking of getting an answering machine and now I definitely will.

Answer 6

I understand, if I was in the middle of something (shower, brushing teeth, reading to kids like you said) I would most likely NOT answer...but if I'm just reading or watching tv I would answer it. But maybe you are just avoiding talking to people and would rather only call them back if it's important, rather than make small talk. I find myself texting rather than calling. It's easier for me to do that, I don't have to try to make small talk or anything, I can get straight to the point with a text messege.

Answer 7

It's no different than having your secretary answer the phone so no, you don't have to answer it. I don't answer it is I am busy.

what irks me though is when you are ina place of business and the clerk interuppt the conversation with you to answer the phone. It happened to me one time at K Mart's service desk. Apparently the caller wanted to know if they had something for less than WalMart's price. When the clerk came back to me, I asked to speak to a manager.

I explained that I would no longer be shopping at their store because here I am, a customer int he store, trying to purchase something and I am left standing there while the clerk lets a caller know that no, their price is not lower than Wal Marts. So they lost a cash paying customer who was in the store ready to buy.

Answer 8

And once you're gotten used to standing up to your phone, feel free to ignore the sales staff at mall kiosks who say "can I ask you a question?" when you try to walk by! And don't be afraid to refuse pamphlets from people on the street! Delete that spam! Mute the TV commercials! Defend the borders of your home and person from commercial invasion!

Seriously, your true friends wouldn't want to interrupt you while you're reading to your child, etc. Don't feel bad--obviously, they're not calling YOU when they're giving their child a bath or in the middle of making pancakes.

(Although congrats to you for thinking about what's the nice and considerate thing to do.)

Answer 9

No its not rude, I do not always answer my phone, and I don't always answer my cell all the time. I'm a Captain of a major airline corp, and if It's another Pilot or Captain wanting me to take there flight for them and I don't feel like doing it I will not take the call...

Answer 10

I don't feel it's rude, I do the same thing most of the time, and I will continue to do so until I recieve the official notice stating I am now at the world's beck and call !

Answer 11

You should answer every call. Also purchase a lil' something from each and every tele-marketer. Go out of your way to catch the phone before the third ring also( phone etiquette)! now that's funny!!