Ring RIng

Sometimes the phone rings I don't want to pick it up. And if someone is near me and hears my phone ring whether at work, at home, or by any old phone, I usually get the ole "Are you going to answer that?" or "You should probably answer that." I feel that society has somehow over the years gotten the idea that not answering a phone is rude. Why is it that when someone wants to speak to you, that's all they need to warrant your speaking to them? Shouldn't you be given the option to answer the phone? When did manners enter into picking up the phone when it rings? Why must people be instantly gratified whenever they can?

I can understand when someone speaks to you in person and you ignore them how that is rude, but that is face to face. I believe that we are currently using methods of telecommunications as extensions of our physical selves. Telephones are becomming our ears and mouths.

Thoughts?