I've started answering my phone—even when I don't know the number calling—which is something I never used to do. I've started doing this for three reasons: 1) I'm all mature and shit now that I'm married 2) I washed my phone a couple of weeks ago and therefore answering the phone is the only way to find out who is calling, regardless of who is calling and 3) The debt collectors stopped calling a year or so ago.
But I remembered, after a conversation I was a part of this afternoon, why screening worked so beautifully for me for so many years.
(Not exaggerating a little bit. I pinky swear.)
Me: Hello.
Other End: [heavy breathing of the intentional variety]
Me: Hello?
Other end: [more gross heavy breathing]
Me: HELLO?
Other End (stammers, totally embarrassed): Oh. I think I may have the wrong number.
Me: Who on earth are you trying to reach?
Other End: Maria. My mother-in-law.