In the old days, phones sat in people's hallways. When they rang, one member of the household would rush to answer... and there be much excitement. 'Who is it for?' 'What do they want?' In the 21st century, we carry our phones in our pockets. We are wary of the ring tone lest it brings a pre-recorded voice selling us something we don't need. Protocols change, so do standards of polite behaviour. Is an old-fashioned expectation now creating unnecessary insecurity in your emotional life? Maldives island