Published on 12, July, 2020
Does anyone else have a horror of talking on the phone? I have hated using the phone since I was a child, although it is hard to pin down exactly why I dislike it so much. I think my main difficulty is 'reading' how a conversation is going when I can't see the other person. I pause for too long, or jump in too soon, or struggle to pick up crucial info from their tone - is this a bad time to call? am I making myself clear?
I am currently going through a work-related nightmare scenario where I have been asked to make loads of phone calls - in a situation I have always previously handled by email - and I feel stressed and anxious about all the time: anticipating the calls, making the calls, reflecting on the calls. It is supposed to be making everyone feel encouraged, but if any of the hapless recipients are like me they will be thoroughly put off!
I have always thought this was just a random failure on my part, but now I am wondering whether it is integral to my nature.
Yep, phoneiphobia seems pretty common on this forum. I never answer my landline phone and keep my mobile facedown with the ring tone turned off. Not great when you're self employed :-/ I have programmed all my devices - iPad, phone PC etc to never get notifications from social media either and to be honest I don't even know why. It's just an over riding anxiety. Email rules!
(Oh yeah.....feeling your pain......best of luck with it and the upcoming diagnosis).