I too love caller ID and the answering machine. I seem to get at least 5 calls on average every day starting at 8 AM and going until 10 PM. If I don't recognize the number I rarely answer. BUT I do love some of the ways you handle the calls.
The only ones I answer and not always these, are people calling for organizations to whom I have contributed and am no longer able to do so. Even then I sometimes need to hang up on them. I was taught never to be rude, so it's difficult but sometimes the only answer. I'm answering fewer and fewer of these because they are truly stressful.
When I get really irritated is when I get letters to send contributions when I know I haven't made the pledge. My shredder is getting lots of use. maybe I'll try the envelope stuffing method; that's a good one.
Thank you everyone for sharing your methods. Even though it must be really frustrating at the time, some of your methods of coping gave me quite a giggle. Thank you for that. Joyce in Delaware