I Hate Talking on the Phone - See 6 Hidden Introvert Reasons
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Talking on the phone can mean different things to people. It can be an avenue to bond with others; while to some, it’s a nerve-wracking experience. Your personality dictates how much you might enjoy talking on the phone, and is the basis of this article.
I hate talking on the phone because it’s more spontaneous than my reserved personality can take. Introverts and phone calls are two things that tend not to flow together. I hate phone calls because I prefer a more thought-driven and laid-back means of communication like emails and text messages.
If you’re wondering why you hate talking on the phone as well, this article highlights everything you need to know about this dilemma. It’s also a great read for those that might be wondering why their friends prefer chatting to phone calls. Below are six reasons why I hate phone calls.
Phone Calls Tend to Interrupt Me More Than I Like
When your phone rings, it demands immediate attention. It’s either you pick the call or let it go to voicemail - and that’s why I tend to dislike them. Irrespective of whatever you’re doing, you need to attend to whoever’s calling, which can generate call anxiety.
As an introvert, I prefer to plan for occasions and might find it difficult to handle a change in scenarios. An unexpected phone call is an event that can catch me off guard. My organized mind doesn’t relish the idea of stopping everything I'm doing and facing an unpredictable situation, hence, why I might avoid many calls.
Talking on the Phone is an Inefficient Way to Communicate.
If you put texting, sending emails, and talking on the telephone into proper context, you might realize that phone calls seem somewhat inadequate compared to the other methods. You might not give the most accurate responses or might even forget what you want to say. There’s a lot to consider when making phone calls and the tension often gets in the way.
However, when sending messages, I have ample time to think about what to respond to. I can curate all the important information into one text, without worrying about forgetting anything. The only plus side phone calls have is that it's best for quick communication, but may not be so efficient.
I Can’t Come Up With Fast Responses, To Be Honest.
Another reason why I don't like talking on the phone, as well as other introverts, is because I tend to think carefully about everything. Most of my personality is inwardly focused, and I have to think meticulously before letting them out. This process can be far too slow for phone calls.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why am I so awkward on the phone?” this is probably the reason. As an over-thinker, I always have anxiety with phone calls. I’m always thinking about the next statement and that produces periods of awkward silence, and I dread that even more.
Related: Am I Too Quiet? P.S. No, You’re Not. A How-To Guide to Using Your Introversion to Your Advantage
Talking on the Phone is Mostly Too Unpredictable to Enjoy
If you’re wondering why introverts hate phone calls, it’s because they don’t like being held hostage to unpredictable situations. When strangers call, we often can’t tell how long the call is going to take or what the person is going to say.
I need to know you to a great extent before we can interact on the phone. However, this logic might be too complex for some people to understand. They tend to believe that talking on the phone helps you get closer to someone. On the contrary, it can be the most uncomfortable process for introverts.
I Don’t Call People Because I Fear I’m Bothering Them
Phone calls are intrusive to a large degree. They demand immediate attention and quick responses. Why do I hate calling on the phone? Because I don’t want others to pass through the same horrific experience that I do. I sometimes ask myself, “What if they aren’t in the mood to talk? Am I intruding on anything important? Will I make the person uncomfortable?”
These questions are valid because I often experience the same things. I’d have to be familiar with you before I can call you impromptu. Otherwise, I’d schedule a call.
The Lack of Visual Cues Can Cause Miscommunication
One of the things that contribute to my introvert phone phobia is relying strictly on someone’s voice to understand them. For the most part, talking on the phone seems like an intimate process that should be reserved for close friends. So, if I don’t know you well, there’s likely to be miscommunication.
I tend to avoid phone calls because it feels like something’s missing. I might not know how to relate to you since I can’t pick up visual cues. And since I’m naturally reflective, it might be a difficult process for me.
Related: How To Talk to an Introvert in 15 Perfect Steps (for Extroverts)
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Here’s How to Handle Your Phone Anxiety (if it’s getting the best of you)
Phone anxiety is more severe than an introvert’s preference for texting rather than calling. What is phone anxiety? It’s an immense fear or apprehension to use the phone to communicate.
This telephone anxiety can stir up for many reasons and is most common among people who suffer from a social anxiety disorder. This is a psychological condition that prevents people from interacting with others because of the fear that strangers might have a negative perception of them. In such a case, they might develop phone call anxiety, and detest talking on the phone vs in person.
Phone call anxiety can also develop as a result of people disagreeing with the social functionality that calls offer. Our brains are wired to protect us from things we deem harmful. So, if a person unconsciously sees talking on the phone as a draining process, a great deal of work, insufficient, or one that requires too much mental energy amid the already bustling daily activities, they would inevitably avoid the activity.
Some phone anxiety tips for recovering are different depending on why you don't like talking on the phone. If you disagree with its social functionality, or it might be taking a toll on you, there are ways to get past it without having to avoid every call. However, if you discover you have an anxiety disorder, dealing with the root of the issue is advised.
Nevertheless, here are some helpful tips that can help you in such a dilemma.
Relax and breathe. Even though phone calls can be intimidating, taking time out to breathe during the call gives you ample time to think about what to say. It also reminds you that you don’t have to get everything figured out.
Practice. Sometimes, making phone calls that you’re comfortable with can prepare you for the more difficult ones. You can call someone you’re close to, or a random restaurant, asking about their menu for the day. It completely takes the pressure off of you.
Always ask for clarity. Instead of pacing around thinking about what to say, you can ask the caller to repeat themselves. This gives you time to think of a good response and control the dynamics of the call better.
Write notes. If you’re saying, “I hate talking on the phone!” preparing some notes before a conversation can help you enjoy phone calls more than usual. It would be less spontaneous, and you’ll never worry about forgetting essential things.
Stay calm. If a person is uncooperative or temperamental over the phone, it’s necessary to remain calm. Remember that it’s the worst they can do over the phone, so, don’t let it get to you. Try to approach the situation from a practical point of view instead of being irrational, and you’ll be fine.
Related: How One Introvert Book Changed my Life and Boosted my Self-Esteem
FAQs
Why do I hate phone calls?
If you hate phoning others, you might have a reserved personality and prefer to know people intimately before you can talk on the phone. Disliking phone calls can also be a sign of phone anxiety. The introvert phone call dilemma is mostly normal but if it hinders your progress, it’s a sign of anxiety.
Why do I have phone anxiety?
Phone anxiety arises from our perception of what talking on the phone entails. It could also be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. People that hate phone calls mention that it stresses them out more than they’d like, and would rather communicate in another way.
Why do I hate talking on the phone?
If you have the fear of making phone calls, it can be a psychological state that needs to be addressed. If you refer to calling someone too much as an intrusive action, then you would naturally not like talking on the phone for too long as well.
Why does talking on the phone give me anxiety?
Phone aversion can be a sign of stress, burnout, depression, or social anxiety. If you prefer talking in person over long phone calls, it means your brain perceives call making as a stressful activity. Taking things one step at a time and remembering to breathe is how to get over phone anxiety.
Why am I nervous to call someone?
People rarely have a text phobia because they have ample time to think about what to say. However, you can get nervous to talk on the phone with a guy or girl because it puts you on the spot. Making essential notes on what to say before a telephone conversation is how to get over call anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Did you enjoy this article? If you’re saying, “I don't like phone calls,” then you might be an introvert. However, asking for clarity and practicing before conversations is how to get over phone anxiety at work or anywhere else. Kindly leave a comment below if you liked this article.
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