We let the answering machine screen the calls. If I am home and I don't recognize the phone number I let the machine pick up. 99% of the time the people I want to talk to will start to leave a message, giving me enough time to pick up and talk.

The ones I hate are the robocalls. They talk regardless and half the time it's one of those "traditional values" groups urging me to vote for candidates who represent their values (but not necessarily mine).