...when I am not terribly phobic about the phone. I've given out my phone number to several of my blog readers to talk on the phone. Warning... I have phone phobias and sometimes will just let the answering machine pick up. It is not that I don't want to talk. It is just that I have a lot of anxiety about talking on the phone akin to stage fright anxiety. My heart will race. My palms will get sweaty. Some of you are getting miffed that I never answer. I'm sorry. I should have never given out my number if it means burned bridges with some of you that I have grown to care so much about. Bear with me and I promise tomorrow to make a concerted effort to answer the phone and give you my undivided attention.
18 comments:
I should think everyone would understand, when you've made it clear you have social phobias. Never fear, friend, no one should be offended.
Take care!
Aw, I'm sorry if some are getting ticked that you aren't picking up the phone. I understand the frustration I guess but I also know where you are coming from. I don't like to talk on the phone either but hadn't thought of it as being part of a social anxiety--although I do have panic attack disorder. There were times friends would call for me and I'd say to one of my kids, answer it please, I don't want to talk to anyone! It's a hard thing for someone to understand unless they experience it themselves.
Sorry, didn't know social anxiety extended to the phone, mine doesn't. I'm not upset though, just disappointed as I sometimes get and I didn't mean to sound nasty in the e-mail. I'll just deal with my crying habit the way I usually do when I gave up on calling people...just lay in bed until it goes away. Thanks for trying though. No burned bridges here, luv :)
Andrew,
Maybe you don't have to apologize so much -- people understand more than you think. I know if I am frazzled, I don't answer the phone because I don't want anyone to hear how upset I am. We all have our stuff :)
When I was a young kid, I was in a piano recital & I was ok until I looked out into the audience, when I saw all the people, I stopped playing and ran off the stage, LoL. To
this day we all laugh about it but it wasn't that funny for me, I was a wreck.
And so it goes -- it's extra junk we all carry with us, don't fret about it (easier said than done)
Kirs
I have trouble with phone anxiety as well. I think it is the unpredictability of the whole thing that is hard for me. I just don’t know where the conversation is going to go, how I’ll respond and if I’ll have anything to say. There are a couple old friends that tried to contact me who I still haven’t called because I am too nervous to. It is frustrating when it stifles social contact.
I wouldn't worry, though, I think everyone understands.
Andrew, I am very much the same. Although many people have my phone number, I use my caller ID and only answer if I'm feeling up to a visit. People also have been known to call at weird hours to visit, like at midnight, totally forgetting that some of us sleep at that hour! It is nice that people care and want to talk to you, but it can become overwhelming. You have every right to take calls when and if you are comfortable. No one needs to feel offended if you don't. Be thankful you don't have my sister on your call list... if I don't answer she will fill up my entire voice mail box. Annoying to say the least!
Ur phobia sounds just like mine! I am terriblely scared about my phone. It can go ringing for days without me answering, scared tht one of my relatives is one gonna mess with my head. I had cancelled my land line sometime ago and my cell is now my main bane. I always switch it off since I cant stand the sudden ringings and my pulse will race in fear.
Anyway I am sure the bloggers who phoned u will understand ur anxiety. Dont fret!
Have you tried using some sort of instant messaging? I find it easier for talking to people I don't really know well (and some I do). You can be on the computer and not show yourself as on if you don't feel like talking. I think it would be a neat idea.
Sorry to hear that you are feeling anxious that you have upset people by not answering the phone. People generally understand but sometimes their own things get in the way of understanding. I get that sometimes as well, although I don't answer for different reasons.
Keep trying for you to conquer the phobias. It will eventually get better. Relapses can happen but I get the feeling you will keep trying.
Also Justlacey's idea of instant messaging is a good one. You can choose not to sign into your messenger if you don't wanna chat.
I completely understand!!! And people should too! it's your phone, and regardless, just because they may call you, it doesn't mean you have to answer right away. that's why answering msg's were created.
you're too sweet. :)
Always,
Crusty~
i don't have anxiety issues and sometimes i hate answering the phone! don't sweat it - if people don't get it, that's a shame. that's why caller ID and answering machines were invented - to screen calls! :)
jane
Ha! My phone rarely rings and even then I don't want to answer it. I'm not sure why we even have one except to keep the DSL going.
I like what Justlacey said!! :)
...my Lan line is more for dsl..
Always,
Crusty~
I like what Justlacey said!! :)
...my Lan line is more for dsl..
Always,
Crusty~
Many people have a phobia or just a dislike of talking on the phone.
My husband does for one, his phone conversation usually consists of uh-uh, yep, ok and bye.
mdam when my mother in law calls my husbands conversation is this:
aha, aha, aha, aha, ok ma bye.
I'm not a phone person, so I do understand. I think the people who call you will understand too. We all know how to write, though.
I hate talking on the phone at home. I do so much of it at work all day. I was going to suggest instant messaging. I have a camera too, although I usually just use it with my son. You have a little more control of the conversation.
Post a Comment