Phone phobia

Hi,

Reading this forum and other places, "phone phobia" seems to be a prevalent symptom of AvPD. However, while I don't actually enjoy initiating a phone call, it doesn't seem to be that much of a problem for me. In fact I've found that I can actually be more personable on the phone (dare I say charming? No. ) than in person. It helps to not have the person standing right in front of you.

So my question is, is this a highly typical symptom of AvPD? How do you guys experience this?

And yes I'm really bored this weekend...

Asuka wrote:Even texting someone is difficult as if they don't respond I feel rejected.

Hah! I thought about that not an hour ago. Because I texted someone. And he didn't respond.

I always let it go to voice mail and figure if they really want to say something they'll just leave a message. If i need to call them back i'll go over what I'm going to say for 10 min before i call them.

I don't like texting because it's hard to read peoples moods or tone and i always think their angry at me or ignoring me if they don't text back right away.

i have a phone phobia! i hate making calls, especially on mobile when i dont know where person i call is and what they're doing, when i don't know if i don't disturb them. i never call anyone apart from my parents, i just feel so nervous on the phone. also when i have to call an office, to make an appointment or to obtain information - i am more likely to travel to the other end of the city than call. i also put off making calls.

it's funny though because i managed to work as a telemarketer for a month!

i love texting though and text a lot, but usually to people who always reply to me. not replying makes me feel insecure too but i usually text people who i know will reply.

I hate talking on the phone.

I don't have a problem with it when talking with people I know, but I feel very much afraid calling people I've never met. The only exception to this is whenever I'm ordering food for carryout or delivery.

SilentAllTheseYears wrote:also when i have to call an office, to make an appointment or to obtain information - i am more likely to travel to the other end of the city than call. i also put off making calls.

You mean you'd rather talk to someone in person? EEP!

JMX29 wrote:The only exception to this is whenever I'm ordering food for carryout or delivery.

I get the same slight apprehension for ordering food actually. Especially because the person on the other end of the line is unlikely to speak Dutch very well.

Radovan wrote:You mean you'd rather talk to someone in person? EEP!

For some reason its the same for me. I find it much easier to talk to someone in person than on the phone (at least for non-social stuff). Texting and email is fine though. I think it's because I don't know who's on the other end of the line until they pick up, whether its the person I want or if I'm disturbing them or whatever.

It also doesn't help that it seems like 90% of the calls I make (as opposed to when people call me) don't go as smoothly as I hoped they would.

Bah, been away too long... damn you Little Big Planet >.<; I absolutely deplore phones, not because I'd rather talk to someone in person, but more because I hate speaking to anyone via anything >_>; If I get a call I always check who it is, if its not important, I don't pick up, if someone keeps talking, I do the old plastic sack trick (Shake a plastic bag by the phone, say you're breaking up, and hang up >_> god, I'm evil ; ; )

I despise talking on the phone. I prefer email or IM. I will not call someone unless I absolutely have to.

A_FishNamedEric wrote:if someone keeps talking, I do the old plastic sack trick (Shake a plastic bag by the phone, say you're breaking up, and hang up >_> god, I'm evil ; ; )

You, sir, made me laugh today.

EDIT: Not laughing at you.