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I moved to a new apartment and didn't set up my home phone voice mail right away - you have to dial an access number, set a password, the voice message itself, etc. Simple stuff but I didn't do it as I rarely use my home phone, except to dial out. My cell phone is my primary contact number with voice mail-it's pretty much on all the time.
The other day my cordless home phone was out of juice, so I put it back onto the cradle to charge it up and tonight I checked the message. Much to my surprise I saw a missed call from my Dad and there was a voice mail inviting me to dinner 2 days ago - to call back whether or not I was interested. The whole family was supposed to be there. Since there was no call on my cell phone, I had no idea!
So anyway...I guess I should call them back Monday...how embarrassing to have missed the family dinner, I had no idea!
I've noticed that Dad, as he gets older, now retired...is more stubborn and insists on things his way. For example I told him I don't use the home phone much and he complains about me setting up the voice mail, even when there's an alternative (the cell). Also I tell him I'm bringing something over for my mom (some dessert the other day) and he says something sarcastic like I'm coming over to get something from them. Huh?
Needless to say, since moving to my new place, I've tried to create some distance between my parents and I and let them live their own lives. But not to the point of skipping a dinner on purpose. Is an apology in order? I don't think I should have to apologize or get defensive when I simply didn't know I was invited until a few days after the fact. If they really wanted me there or if anyone cared, they would have called my cell phone by now. No one did, so it was probably more of a courtesy invitation, nothing more. They know I work late on weekends, so what's the point of inviting me anyway?
I wouldn't grovel, but an explanation is in order. I'd probably say something like "sorry I missed your call the other day, it would have been nice to catch up with everyone but my home phone wasn't working so I didn't get the message till today. You know you can always call my cell, right? Anyways, did you have fun? Was aunt Sally there...."
Sounds like you have a bigger problem than a missed dinner. I would call and explain - but like you said - they could've called your cell, especially if they knew you were moving. I wouldn't feel defensive. If they choose to be offended, then oh well. Their problem.
Here a bigger question?? Why are you paying for a Landline (home phone) If your cell is your primary phone? Cut the line... save $30-40/Month Upgrade your cell Line if needed.
I moved to a new apartment and didn't set up my home phone voice mail right away - you have to dial an access number, set a password, the voice message itself, etc. Simple stuff but I didn't do it as I rarely use my home phone, except to dial out. My cell phone is my primary contact number with voice mail-it's pretty much on all the time.
The other day my cordless home phone was out of juice, so I put it back onto the cradle to charge it up and tonight I checked the message. Much to my surprise I saw a missed call from my Dad and there was a voice mail inviting me to dinner 2 days ago - to call back whether or not I was interested. The whole family was supposed to be there. Since there was no call on my cell phone, I had no idea!
So anyway...I guess I should call them back Monday...how embarrassing to have missed the family dinner, I had no idea!
I've noticed that Dad, as he gets older, now retired...is more stubborn and insists on things his way. For example I told him I don't use the home phone much and he complains about me setting up the voice mail, even when there's an alternative (the cell). Also I tell him I'm bringing something over for my mom (some dessert the other day) and he says something sarcastic like I'm coming over to get something from them. Huh?
Needless to say, since moving to my new place, I've tried to create some distance between my parents and I and let them live their own lives. But not to the point of skipping a dinner on purpose. Is an apology in order? I don't think I should have to apologize or get defensive when I simply didn't know I was invited until a few days after the fact. If they really wanted me there or if anyone cared, they would have called my cell phone by now. No one did, so it was probably more of a courtesy invitation, nothing more. They know I work late on weekends, so what's the point of inviting me anyway?
O M G ! Prepare for a large heaping of parental guilt when you called with a steaming side of how HE never missed a family dinner when HE was your age. Ah what fun thanksgiving dinner shall now be for you as pops regales tales of how nice the weekend dinner was even though YOU seemed to be to busy to attend.
You explained everything to us, total strangers, but you can't explain everything to your dad?
But, wait, there's more! A second paragraph where you go on and on about "Dad's problems". I'm sensing that there is a lot more going on here than phones and desserts.
A simple explanation and a, "Sorry, Dad." Will solve the first problem. (And yes, you should aplologize. That's just Good Manners 101.) Re-read your own second paragraph and figure out what the REAL problems are. The whole "missed phone call" thing is only a symptom.
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