I understand, but there is another way. How about "No I couldn't get your call because I wasn't taking calls at the time". I understand having a phone for work and sometimes you just have to answer it. But I don't make a huge effort after business hours. Wife and Kids, always pick up. Anybody else? Well it's just a crap shoot. If I'm not doing something else and I have time then fine I'll answer it. But if I'm busy then I won't. And I never feel bad about that. I don't want to call somebody and interrupt them so I expect the same thing. But of course I grew up in a time where if you were not at home nobody was calling you anyway. This need to be "connected" 24/7 has not hit me and never will. Oh I have to have my smartphone with me at all times, I like being able to connect to the internet and email. But just because it's ringing does not mean I have to answer it. I have voice mail and texting for a reason.