Sometimes you can't avoid listening, especially in cube land. There's a gal in my office who sits on the other side of the cube wall from me. Everyday, for what seems like several hours a day, she is orchestrating her family household - breaking up arguments between her kids, answering questions, giving them tasks to do around the house, etc. Here is a sample episode (one sided since I can only hear what she's saying)
Mom: "Johnny, I can't answer that question for you right now, I've got someone at my desk and we're working"
Pause
Mom: "I told you, I can't answer that question for you right now, I'll call you when I leave work"
Pause
Mom: "I can't answer that question for you right now, I'll call you when I leave work"
Pause
Mom: "I can't answer that question for you right now, I'll call you when I leave work"
Pause
Mom: "I can't answer that question for you right now, I'll call you when I leave work"
Pause
Mom: "I can't answer that question for you right now, I'll call you when I leave work"
Pause
Mom: "Where are you? Where's your dad?"
Pause
Mom: "Well if you're with your dad, have him give you the answer!"
Pause
Mom: "I can't answer that question for you right now, I'll call you when I leave work"
This conversation, or one sort of like it, happens regularly (people working with her at her desk on something when her kids call) and her kids can't seem to understand that sometimes, their mom is busy at work and can't talk to them right away. I don't understand how she gets any work done.