There's a big generational gap here, I think, between people who did and did not come of age during a time where telemarketing was a nascent industry and–when t

There's a big generational gap here, I think, between people who did and did not come of age during a time where telemarketing was a nascent industry and–when then the phone rang–you had no idea who it was, and they couldn't leave a message. Missing an important call in a situation where the person calling couldn't leave a message, and couldn't necessarily be reached if they were heading out, was a much bigger deal! I'm 35 and grew up with answering machines, then email, texts, cell phones, and voicemail soon after. Phone calls have always sort of bugged me. My parents did not, and for them the phone ringing has always been kind of an urgent matter. Letting it ring, even in the middle of something, and despite the fact they'll get a message and be able to deal with it easily later, clearly bothers them.