Anyone else hate talking on the phone?

[Lanie]

I have TOTAL phone anxiety. I screen my calls and keep my phone on silent all the time. So afraid someone I don't want calling me will call me (like ex's, ex-friends, etc). I get so freaked out by wrong numbers too. I hate making phone calls because I feel like I'll sound like an idiot, especially at work...my social anxiety comes out so bad on the phone

Wish I had some good advice for you..but it's something I struggle with too...I think my best piece of advice though is to do some deep breathing beforehand and practice talking on the phone bit by bit. Perhaps more exposure helps to decrease anxiety over time?

[victimofgrace]

I think someone already mentioned this, but practice really does help! I used to be so terrified of the phone that I would cry and beg my parents to call for me. I still get anxiety over it, but not as bad as before. In my case I'm decently good at actually talking, but it just scares me!! After enough time, though, I began to realize that most people know you and therefore don't care... Or they don't know you and therefore don't care :)

Hope things improve soon :)

[anxiousshawn]

Oh GOD yes! This has been me for years! HATE talking on the phone. I'd go so far as to say I've developed a phobia of it. I use my smartphone as a portable computer and nothing more. My plan only has about 100mins/month and by the end of the month there's still about 90 minutes left, but I always blow through my data like it's water. I used to enjoy talking on the phone with my friends, but about 10 yrs ago I had a few 'confrontations' over the phone that obviously affected me negatively. It makes working for yourself & communicating with clients VERY difficult.

[frazzle_angel_cat]

I hate it with a passion so much 

[anxiouskathie]

I don't like chit-chatting on the phone....I like the phone calls where the person says what they have to say and then let's me hang up!!!!  Seems like with all the new technology, cell phones, texting, computers....all we do have people contact all day....some downtime would be nice at times too!

[Tam0630]

I hate talking on the phone due to my social anxiety. It's horrible, I will avoid people when they call, nearly panic when I have to make a phone call and try to avoid it at all costs which makes it worse.

You are definitely not alone.

[Carryon]

I don't like chit-chatting on the phone....I like the phone calls where the person says what they have to say and then let's me hang up!!!!  Seems like with all the new technology, cell phones, texting, computers....all we do have people contact all day....some downtime would be nice at times too!

Agree. Once upon a time if no one was home the phone just rang or you got a busy signal and called back. Then came answering machines and a message greeted you when you walked in to the door. Then voice mail. 

[AdrenelineKitten]

Eh honestly I would so much rather text.
No awkward silences, no confusing tones, or not understanding their tone of voice.
I cant stand confrontation, and I always think when people raise their voices or say something that rubs me the wrong way that I immediatly have to defend myself...
Texting...just works out so much better...

[swimmergirl15]

I'm fine if the phone rings and it is someone I don't know. However, I freak out whenever I have to call or talk to anyone I don't know. I even get nervous when I have to call friends. The only people I am comfortable calling are my family members. Outside of them I flip a lid.

[AshRenee]

I hate talking on the phone too! Unless it's my rents or mamaw, of course. But I dread hearing that dumb phone ring. I don't even like texting but it's a little better:)

[29sillygirl]

Thinking of dropping the hugely costly voice mail plan and installing a pay phone here..haha

[Esjay]

I won't pick up if I don't recognise the number, I can't talk to people I don't know on the phone, or if I don't know what I'm going to talk about. I usually just use my phone for the Internet, texting also freaks me out a bit because I analyse what I'm writing too much and in the end I don't reply

[redheadmama]

I hate answering my phone unless it is my mom or my husband. I am terrible, I can't even return friends' calls. I can email them, text, chat in person, but phone chatting is just not my thing at all.

[lonelygurl]

I hate answering my phone unless it is my mom or my husband. I am terrible, I can't even return friends' calls. I can email them, text, chat in person, but phone chatting is just not my thing at all.

I'm the exact same way. If I do get the courage to call someone back I pray i get the voicemail lol

[rachelrouge]

I have real problems with this, I hate picking up the phone if it's not one of the few people I am VERY close to. I wish people would just text or email instead!