[jakobegger]

> make sure you don’t leech off of those around you

I think that's a toxic attitude. Picking up the phone for someone else every now and then is really not a big of a hassle. Obviously I don't know the whole situation, but in general I do think that one should be ready to do such minor favors for another human being without calling them a leech.

[bryanrasmussen]

I know someone who lives off the grid like this, they are also too cheap to ever pay their share of airbnb lodging (I will stay with someone else, oh you got it I come stay with you), too cheap to give a bit of scotch tape for taping up a box when clearing out their dead mothers house because they bought that tape for 2 euro, or finally too cheap to buy their own chewing gum when they have had all their other expenses paid (flight, lodging) to go to a wedding in Kiruna Sweden.

on edit: changed some incorrect uses of to to correct usage of too.

[dannyw]

Sounds like they're just cheap; and the off the grid part doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it.

[19870213]

Especially because it wasn't that long ago (by my standards) that not everyone had a personal phone in their pocket.

In fact, only 33 years ago my parents had to call the neighbours 3 doors further to call my aunt to notify her (and my grandparents who happen to be visiting her) of my birth.

Although, I admit as someone with a speech impediment, I absolutely loath using the phone. But it's a necessity even as a software developer. But nothing as annoying as having to pick up the phone, only to hear that it was (effectively) the wrong number and they needed someone across the room...

[justinclift]

Or when you (effectively) work night shift, and some #$%#$%# telemarketer decides to call at 9am.

[matz1]

Sure, it is not a hassle for you but it can be a huge hassle for other people.