You want to be fully assimilated? Learn how to handle spammers
When I first came to the US, I used to spend hours on the phone with potential scammers because I thought it was rude to hang up on people.
I would listen to them telling me how I won a cruise to the Bahamas, how my car warranty has expired, and how my Google business listing is not showing up properly.
I would just listen and answer their questions because I didn’t want to hurt their feelings; you know, it’s rude to hang up on people, and just like a good Arab, I would have to say goodbye ten times before I would hang up. My mom would be proud.
I used to argue with my American husband about how he handled them.
“You can’t just say I’m not interested and hang up the phone; it’s rude,” I would say to him.
“They are scammers. You don’t waste your time on them, ” he would respond.
“It doesn’t matter. You can’t just hang up!” I would say and then storm off.
I knew I was right. I thought I was right.
Now, 17 years later, I would hang up the phone the minute I hear them let out their first breath. No hellos, no goodbyes. As soon as I terminate the call, I immediately add their number to my blocked numbers list, thanks to the magic of the iOs.
Assimilation at its best.
*Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels