I've gotten so callous when it comes to phone solicitations. As the main one who answers the phone at work, I get to deal with all types. I used to be so worried about hurting someone's feelings (not kidding) or having them think bad of me, but now, I just don't care. As soon as I hear that tell-tale pause when I answer the phone (their system figuring out that yours is a real number), I just hang up. Luckily I don't have to deal with telemarketers at all with my home phone. Yay, no call list!

I also strongly dislike solicitors who come to our office. Even though all entry points to this building clearly state, "NO SOLICITORS", people just ignore it and come on up. Because I am face-to-face with them, it is harder to be dismissive. I still do it though. I say we're not interested, even though I usually give them a business card for their tally.

Then when they do a "follow-up call", I hang up on them.
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