Just a few unofficial ponderings...

Way back in the day, we were on an 8-party line. It was obviously rude to listen in, and equally rude to keep picking up and replacing the receiver noisily to show that you were waiting for the phone.

It was, however, appropriate for Mom to break in and say, "Tillie, would you mind hanging up? I need to call Bill before he leaves work" or such things.

Then along came call waiting. Back when it first existed, it was unthinkably rude to hang up on somebody because somebody else was calling...giving the impression that the waiting call was "somebody better".

Now, I think nothing of telling a friend when she calls, "I'm expecting a call soon, but I'd love to chat until the call comes". Or, "I'm sorry, I need to take this call...may I call you back after?" When I call back, I explain the siutation if appropriate. My daughter and I talk nearly every day, and we are totally FINE with "Oh, it's Lisa...call you later, Mom!".

I do have friends who are horrified that someone would interupt their marathon calls to take another, regardless of the importance of the new call. But I think it just kind of depends. What do you think?