HELP! I hate returning phone calls when I get home...it's never a convenient time, ever.?

How can I escape having to return phone calls at home? I turn my answering machine off but I still have caller i.d. The telephone is such a huge waste of my time....it interrupts whatever I'm concentrating on. The older I get, the more I despise this freakin' phone. One of my kids has a new friend in the neighborhood, the friend's Mom calls me psychotically over silly things (i.e. i have some clothes that might fit your kids, etc.). I feel obligated to call her back but she wants to talk forever!! I hate, hate, hate calling people back! Any advice? Anyone else feel this way?

I have a husband and three sons...this woman has a travelling husband, a newborn baby and two boys who would practically live with my family if they could!


I've already set so many limits with this woman...the phone is just another one to add to the list.

Her boys used to come over to play or invite my sons to play EVERY, SINGLE DAY...I put a stop to this rudeness. The Mom would pull in my driveway and wait while her kids ring my bell...begging to have my kids play, etc.

On several occassions, when I'm home and don't answer, she'll drive over to my house anyway.

I made the mistake of giving her my cell number because her Son was on a family outing with my Son. Now she takes it upon herself to call my cell phone...not just a time or two either! She'll call at least 10 times in one day...even after she leaves a message. She doesn't give a person a chance to call her back.

Thank you so much for all your input...all of you are awesome and so helpful!!

I don't think we are under any obligation to return phone calls. I only return the ones I want to. Also, if I don't want to talk to a certain party, I don't answer the phone when I see the number on the caller I D. Phones can be annoying as well as useful.