That’s what answer machines are for - AIBU?

[TryingToBeNiceButFailing]

I think this is more of a rant.

I’ve just worked the last 5 days, long shifts. Out at 0700, back at 1930.

I’m tired. I’ve got things to do. Admin, laundry, shopping, cooking, school drop offs. DH does do his share just to add.

I also try to keep fit.

So, got up at 0600, did chores, dropped DC at school, went to a class this morning. Just before I walk through the door of the class my phone starts ringing. It’s my elderly parent. I can’t take it as I’ll be late. They leave a message.

Leave the class and need to do a shop (2 places), then I went to the tip. I’m tipping the grass into the dumpster and my phone starts ringing. I can’t take it. They leave a message. That’s 2 calls in 2 hours.

Got back, quick shower, go to meet someone for coffee. Phone starts ringing, I don’t take it.

I know at this point I appear really rude, but these phone calls last 45 mins to 1.5 hours. I need to be in a place where I can sit down or put headphones on.

So, it’s 4pm, I’ve had 4 phone calls, and 4 increasingly annoyed messages. I’ve got to go pick up my DC from school.

I know IABU not to address the call, but I’ve been away from my house for 5 full days, I’m knackered, I’ve got shit to do, and my phone ringing all the time stresses me out.

At 5pm ish I can call them and we can talk. However in the meantime AIBU to think that if you call someone and leave a non urgent VM, they’ll call you back. There’s no need to chase me up. I’ve tried answering and saying “I’ll have to call you back” but it turns into a 15 min phone call.

FYI parent is not lonely or got dementia. Just demanding!

all of the "how could you not answer, what if they had a fall" posters...did you miss the part where OP described the messages as "increasingly annoyed?" i.e. she clearly listened to the messages and was fully aware they were just 'wanting to chat' nothingness rather than 'help I've had a fall.'

If it was an emergency presumably parent would leave a message SAYING THIS and/or call back immediately until she answered, not an hour later. OP knew it was not urgent, as did the parent, so yes it was very U of them to keep ringing. I'm not at that stage yet but my mother spends 45mins to an hour every single day on the phone with my grandmother and does find it a big demand when you lead a busy life so I have a lot of sympathy, OP.

Just don't answer.

1 hour 10

Just chit chat about the day

However at the end I did say, I’m not free tomorrow until after 4pm and I’ll call you then.

I can’t be doing with the endless calls.