Isn't it liberating? I never visit or talk to my parents unless I have an "exit strategy" like ringing the door bell. If the phone rings and I know I don't have the energy - I let it go to voicemail. Ah, technology and caller ID, how I love thee!
Thankfully, most of the time, the calls are short and not uncomfortable for me. But on those occasions when things are getting a little intense, it's always nice to have a back door to slip out through. Or a front door bell to ring. It protects me without causing any further problems.