I would like to know with everyone dealing with these settle

I would like to know why everyone does not understand what the word settlement means...if they had accounts in collections prior to settling their debts out, they should have all been called at least once by the creditor asking them if they wanted to ******settle****** with a 1 lump sum figure.........i guess patience wears thin when trying to clean up the debt.but not while incurring it!! Confusing huh??? Have a little faith and remember you put your self in debt. Not the law firms or counseling agencies.