i got an answering machine for my birthday, and i soon realized what a useful machine this is. i am not home most of the day, so someone can leave a message and i can call back. there is no way people can say they can't get in touch with you. sometimes when i am home and have work to do, the phone never stops. now i put the machine on. i am not disturbed; therefore, i can do more work. there are some people i just do not want to talk to. there froe, i put the machine on, and i don't have to speak to them. in conclusion, i really do not know how i lived without this wonderful invention