Why do people answer the phone if they are in the middle of something important?

[hawkeye08]

Before my family insisted I get a smartphone, I had a nice flip phone. The battery lasted a couple weeks and worked for what I needed. New phone lasts a day if used lightly, less if I am checking something on the interweb. Texting is nice to let someone know something without getting trapped on phone for 30 minutes.

 

[HillStreet]

When I’m on the phone with somebody and they tell me they have another call and got to get it I hang up and wont talk to them again soon. They know I don’t like it.

 

[Dftodd]

You might want to be careful on this one... My wife might just point me in the direction of the doctor's office if I gave her guff.

My wife's cheap. She brow beat the doctor into giving her a jar of packing so she could take care of it at home. So far she's saved us $600 or so in return visits. She would kick my butt if I went to the clinic. Our daughter and daughter in law are Rn's and my wife is an LPN.

 

[ultrarunner]

Work phone is NEVER to go to voice mail in the written job description.

Thing is it doesn't always have reception... so this has been a problem at times.

Grew up in a house where the phone was always promptly answered and it has been a hard habit to break Mom of as maybe a dozen solicitations or worse type calls come to her each day...

Finally getting use to screening calls... told her to listen before answering... she says almost everyone now hangs up and I said this is a good thing!

 

[Beltzington]

I agreed with you for many years but I believe we are missing the current reality.

Post baby boomers answer, talk or text on the phone for the same reason you talk to your spouse while driving, stop what you are doing to explain what you are doing to a family member, or introduce yourself to strangers at a party you will possible never see again. It is the polite thing to do. Smart phones are the new primary communication method.

Excuse me my phone just rang.

 

[dragoneggs]

I admit... I used to get annoyed at my daughter for answering my phone call with a text back. Now I am falling into the texting habit as well. Does allow you to carry on 'side' conversations when you really can't talk and it also keeps you from getting into a way too long phone call when you only wanted a short one.

I used to always answer my phone (same number for work or personal) but in the last year I have been getting more and more solicitations and other crap. Now, if I don't recognize the caller ID, I let it go to vmail. I hate to do that to customers but I always call right back if they leave a message. I keep my welcome message short hoping they understand I am 'busy'.

 

[Jim Shooz]

What really gets on my txts is when you are buying something, the counterjumper is processing the transaction (wrapping the purchase, taking the money). The phone rings and they answer it. I feel like walking out or pushing down on the 'hang up' buttons.

 

[Wagtail]

What really gets on my txts is when you are buying something, the counterjumper is processing the transaction (wrapping the purchase, taking the money). The phone rings and they answer it. I feel like walking out or pushing down on the 'hang up' buttons.

Then this'll warm the cockles... (Salty Sea [Navy] Tale) I was tired of trying to call the Sydney Area Accommodation [Tri-Service] office, which was in the CBD at Defence Plaza, only to be offered a substandard cabin. So I let my Divisional Officer know that I was going there in person.

It shocked the he11 out of a RAAF LAC (US E-3 equiv.) when an actual person showed up at his desk. His phone rang and he reached for it... I 'politely' told him not to answer it as he was dealing with me, a Petty Officer (US E-7/8 equiv.) and that my being here in person made me 'head of the queue'.

I can't recall just how many times that phone rang and rang and rang whilst he attended to my needs, each time his hand twitching to answer it and each time I simply shook my head and pointed to myself.

I got a great Sgt/PO Barracks cabin out of the scenario... it was almost as if the good LAC was anxious to fully satisfy my requirements and ensure that I would not have to visit again.

[End/ Salty Sea Tale]

 

[Diggin It]

I don't pack my cell phone everyday.

I don't either. I just put it in my pocket and carry it there. Can't see the point of finding a box and tape and packing peanuts and all.

;-)

 

[Diggin It]

Texting is nice to let someone know something without getting trapped on phone for 30 minutes.

I admit... I used to get annoyed at my daughter for answering my phone call with a text back. Now I am falling into the texting habit as well.

I don't 'text' at all, but I do send messages. Never used to with a flip, but I got a phone smarter than me a year or two ago and have gone to the dark side. Sometimes I'll send a message as a quick note when I don't need an immediate voice reply and I think the other person might be too busy to answer a call. But they are ALWAYS fully typed out with NO texting style shorthand.

I rarely if ever answer a call unless I recognize the number or have called a business and am expecting a callback.

Sidenote -- I have yet to find a good way to see true Caller ID information that shows the name instead of just a number.