Thank you ronbobby and fedora for your tip[s certainly will take them up. It's such a relief to know there's kind people like you out there.

In the real world the best thing to do is find out when the lightest times for calls are. Some lines tell you this when it's busy. 'Belt and braces' send an e mail so that it's in the system if you can't get through for a while. Oh just a thought I ABSOLUTELY AGREE with recording calls and taking detailed notes. BUT I think it is better to record the call and say nothing and if you feel the assistant is being really unhelpful politely drop it into the conversation when she may have put her foot well and truly in it, that you are recording the call.

when complaining by phone begin by saying "this call is being recorded" always ask the name of the person you are speaking to, you will be amazed how polite and helpfull they become.

Okay I'm not expecting much I know, the world isn't ideal. But does anyone have any tips for the sheer blooming fustration that we suffer for trying to connect to their contact centres, waits of 40 minutes and yes I admit to being fustrated, but never rude and they threaten you in a high and mighty voice that if you continue to complain they will cut off your call! I need a coping mecanism any tips fellow sufferers?