If possible, turn your volume down so you won't hear it ring. For family and friends or others you deal with... If it is important, they'll leave a message. In the meantime,  try to invest in a phone with a call blocking feature. I have one and  I love it!  Right now, I have over 60 numbers (and growing) blocked. You won't even hear the phone ring when it's blocked.  You can even block it while its ringing!  What's gonna happen is when the person calls, they will hear the phone ring a couple of times, then it will disconnect the call without you having to answer.   My phone is a Panasonic KX-TGEA 40.  Or look into any phone that blocks.  Hope this helps anyone.