I still have the landline connected, even though I very rarely make or receive calls on it. Why? Have you used a cellphone lately? Basically I’m paying for the landline so I have a reliable backup phone service, one that doesn’t drop calls or fail to connect at inopportune moments.
When we moved in 12 years ago, we were assigned a phone number that used to belong to an elderly (I presume) couple named Ed and Mary.
The other day I got yet another call for Mary. No one seems to update their phone lists anymore.
“Mary hasn’t had this phone number for 12 years,” I said testily, and hung up. Then I thought better of it.
I wish I had added, “I’m sorry, I wish I could help.” Maybe it wasn’t a telemarketer, maybe it was someone who really wanted to reconnect with Mary and Ed. I don’t even know if they’re still alive. I don’t need to be rude.
When it’s obviously a telemarketer, that’s different. Then I might start sniffling and say, “Mary has been gone all these years, how can you be so cruel to call?” or some such. But this particular call sounded like it could have been an old fellow who hoped to catch up.
I couldn’t help him either way, but I wish I’d been nicer.
