Forgive me for the previous 30-second rant.

The real story is that living alone: I am afraid and I am vulnerable.

In truth, the caller of this evening was probably just intimidated for having to call me in the first place. Which could explain his failed attempt at levity in the infamous telephone greeting...

In any event, I wanted to say that while I am aware that the intention is usually not to spook me out...the result from such a greeting is never positive. Firstly, it reveals a lack of manners on their part. Secondly, when humour is at the expense of another individual's discomfort - it is poor in taste and demonstrative of a less than generous spirit.