overcome my aversion to phones

So I’m reading blogs and mentally preparing to leave the house for an evening appointment. The home phone rings and I see who it is - a friend - but decide not to answer. Then my cell rings, and it’s the same friend; I remember this goal, so I do answer. We chatted a few minutes. I realized during this interaction that one reason I avoid answering the phone is that I harbor a belief that I will not be able to disengage the person in an appropriate amount of time or manner. Yet I’ve done it before at different jobs; there are tactful ways. Over the years, though, I’ve develop the habit of avoidance when answering the phone is my option. Still, avoidance is a trait I struggle with in myself. I’m glad I made myself answer.

However, I must confess, a couple hours ago another friend called, but I didn’t answer. We hadn’t talked in many months, and it just seems rude to answer and then say, “I can’t talk because I’m busy/leaving for work/etc.” Better to let them leave a message and return the call when I’ve got time. Or not? I was born before answering machines existed, and we rarely ever let the phone go unanswered, regardless of how busy it was at home. Some of this must just be a response to information bombardment that has increased hundredfold over the decades.

Today I spent quite some time on the phone. I called my bank, accountant, and health insurance company to get answers to questions. Then my sister called, and we chatted, though I was sleepy. Finally, my cell phone rang, and I’m glad I answered—it was a friend rescheduling a get-together from tonight to tomorrow.

The phone rang again today, and I answered it! I had a feeling it was my mother returning my original phone call from earlier in the day. It was. Still, the fact is it could have been someone else, and I took the risk. I know, I’m weird. I didn’t used to hate the phone. It began when telemarketers called so much and caller ID became available.

The phone rang today. Without even trying to see the caller I.D., I answered it. Turned out to be a close friend of mine from TX, calling to see how I was. It was good to hear from her, and i actually found that I’d needed some conversation! Until the next ring…