Column: When the phone rings I cringe

Despite the fact the volume is turned down as low as it can go, when the phone rings at the office it sounds like the town siren is going off about five feet from me. I should really invest in a new phone because it honestly does startle me and I cringe whenever anyone calls. I know getting phone calls is part of the job, but there have been plenty of times I wanted to throw it against the wall because of how violently loud it is.

It is even worse when Melissa or myself picks up the phone and someone who can barely speak English says, “Can I please speak with the business owner”....