What would Alexander do?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7:58AM The strangest thing happens in my parents' house when the phone rings.
They answer it!
No matter who is calling (for they have caller ID); even if it's an 800 number that simply reeks of marketing.
I find it fascinating. We don't answer our home phone unless we recognize the number. Yes, this means I'll just have to dial into the voice mail and clear the message, eventually. Although caller ID shows me who has called. I don't need a message, really.
So...I've recently stopped checking voice mail, too.* If someone really wants to get in touch with me, they will send me an e-mail or call my cell. And honestly, e-mail is the better way, with me. I rarely remember to take my cell out of my purse, and so I don't hear it ring. It's a strange policy for someone who is a communicator by trade.
And, it has led to multiple discussions revolving around whether or not we actually need a home phone. My side of the debate tends toward, "Yes, because we have kids in school, and it's still the most reliable way for them (the kids and the schools) to get in touch with us." My husband says we would get used to it.
But he is not here all day, I am quick to point out. And what if there were an emergency, and the little guy had to dial 9-1-1 and couldn't tell the Fire Department where we are? And thus the discussion ends, with nothing resolved.
Home phone. No home phone. I just don't know. The home phone is an anchor, for better or worse. Plus, I don't know who has our home phone as the primary contact--and doesn't have our cell numbers--so I'm not sure I'd even be able to notify everyone of the change. I think we'll keep it for a while, at least.
But I do think I will cancel Call Notes.
* Sad, right? Remember how cool answering machines were, when they debuted?
Reader Comments (3)
Great post. I love it that phone calls to our home have significantly decreased. In fact, I get pretty irritated when a colleague or even (dare I say it?) my own husband calls me to tell me about some trip he has coming up... "Um, couldn't you have sent me a calendar invite with this information? Do you really want to discuss this and have me write it all down and then enter it on my calendar?" But then like your Brave Front character, I always pour my milk in the empty cup and top it with coffee. Ah... efficiency.
Nice try, Stasa, but I'm not bringing Brave Front back. The public has spoken. And...it sounded oddly like the chirping of crickets. ;-)
Can't blame me for trying. Funny that you can see right through me.