I have learned, not quickly unfortunately, but through a long series of disappointed looks from my kids and head shakes from my wife, what exactly proper etiquette looks like.  Or rather what it doesn't look like.

There was a time not so long ago that my phone was always on.  I had pockets in my pajamas so it could stay with me.  It rested assuredly on my nightstand as I slumbered.  After all, it's money on the other end of that call.  By Golly, it could be a true lending emergency.  I have to put out that fire.

I have found that my family is much happier with me, and admittedly I am much happier with them and myself, when I am actually with them.  Not on the phone, or the email or MLS.  I now clarify with my clients at the beginning of the relationship, that while they have my cell number it is not always answered.  However, voice mails are ALWAYS returned promptly.  Clients are welcome to call my cell at all hours of the day or night, but with a reasonable expectation that they will get my voice mail if it's an unreasonable time.  Unreasonable is a very subjective time of day.  It is unreasonable for me to take a call from a client while I am watching my teenage daughter cheer.  It is unreasonable to take a call from a client when I am coaching my 8-year olds soccer team.  I have even found it perfectly reasonable for me to finish a conversation with my wife and let that call go to voice mail.  These days when I am with my family I am truly with my family.  And it's funny, those emergencies that used to have to be handled immediately can actually wait till I finish dinner AND dessert.

Funny how we would never begrudge someone else for having these principles, but find it so difficult to allow it in ourselves.