Of course, that's if they can get us on the phone at all. We almost never answer the phone unless the caller id box identifies the caller, *and* if we actually want to speak to the caller. We frequently don't answer even for friends. They can leave messages. I know in our society it's considered impolite not to answer the phone, but I'd like to see that more changed: I don't see why it's my duty to stop what I'm doing in my own home whenever someone calls. We don't ignore the requests and communications of our friends, we just don't always have the same timing.

Would anybody else like to see a new social norm in which you don't answer the phone most of the time? Also, I've taken to answering the phone "Hi Steve" (or whatever the caller's name is). A lot of people I know do that. Ive heard that some people feel that's offensive, though I don't see why. What do you think?