Communication requests added to a conversation are routed directly to a user without following the pre-configured routing rules for the user during a breakthrough period. The breakthrough period may last for the duration of the conversation or for some other period of time. A conversation may be initiated using any supported type of communication. For example, if a user initially sets up an IM conversation with a remote user, then when a voice call is made to the user from the remote user, the voice call is routed directly to the user without applying the routing rules that are configured for the user. Once the breakthrough period has elapsed, the routing rules become active again and are applied to communications received from the remote user that are directed to the user.