I seem to be doing better with this lately. I still fear the call, and I still put the call off, but I’m much better about calling right away before the fear gets so bad. I’m also noticing related fears and thinking that phone phobia is too specific a label… there seem to be a set of triggers for me, and I’m working towards managing them.

Anyway, I had given up this goal for a while now, but I actually think I’ll go ahead and mark it complete. I do think that it helped me for a while, and more importantly, having this concept in my mind has helped me to recognize and work with my unconscious fear reactions to certain situations. It is not over, but I am well on my way to not letting it ruin my life. 9 months ago

I got a special offer in the mail from my phone company that would reduce the price I pay significantly. I called to make the change, but couldn’t figure out the password and it wouldn’t take the last 4 digits of my social. Turns out my ex was still the primary account holder and I was a sub-account of his! I had separate billing, but the account was never actually separated out and he had responsibility for my account and I had no authority to make changes on my account!!

:(

Eventually, after about an hour on the phone, I got things sorted out, the account put in my name, my phone reprogrammed, re-registered for an online account. And then, after more time on hold, I got the change in plan I wanted.

Ironically, I lost his work discount, which had still been on my account, so I am not in fact saving hardly any money. However, I am so grateful that I found this out and have my own account in my name now.

I’d put off calling for about a week, but I’m glad I finally did call. I’m getting a little better, but still am a bit ridiculous about putting off phone calls. I may resurrect this goal again soon. 21 months ago