secretary is an artificial barrier, my insulation from the instant demands of hurting people. She’s like the wicked witch of Endor: no one sees me until they sneak past her! I’m too nice to people. She, on the other hand, is direct with those who would encroach upon my schedule. Another barrier may be screening the phone calls at home with an answering machine, or simply taking the phone off the hook. Ready statements like “Why don’t you call the office tomorrow” or “I need to check my calendar”