I am sorry you received just a hostile response to your call. In and of itself his response was rude.

Still, we don't know the back story that might have influenced his responses. He may well be a lovely man having a really bad day. I can relate. She could be like me who gives strict instructions to let all calls go to the answering machine unless they know the call is for them. If they were to take a message I would not be happy. It would be like they have committed me to call backing. I make no promises in my answering machine message for a reason. The stress of that commitment can really do a number on me. I need and want the option to connect with people on my terms.

I have friends who I connect with every now and then. Sometimes years pass between phone chats. I either don't make the effort and/or I am avoiding small talk social converstation that are hard for me to stay engaged. I can be a real grump and very short with people if by chance I answer the phone because I am expecting a call I want to take. I don't like being caught off guard.

We just don't know the back story. Perhaps no back story can excuse bad behaviour but it could explain it. No doubt I am writing in my own script as an example where the caller might get annoyed with the response they receive. Or he could be in a tif with his wife. No doubt my examples are somewhere out in left field. But ya never know until you have the whole story.

Maybe he is just a rude jerk and it will be good timing to be calling your friend who may need a friendly shoulder to cry on. Just as likely as any 'excuse' I am concocting.