Phones

[Souris Sourire]

For as long as I can remember, I've been terrified of speaking on telephones. I can text on them but even just hearing the stereotypical ring makes my heart race. I've lost a lot of good friendships because they thought I was ignoring their calls when really I've just been terrified to answer or even call back. I've told my friends I'm afraid but they always give me the 'just get over it' thing like it's no big deal. By afraid, I mean anxious, nerve-racking, break out crying afraid. I finally found a guy who told me, "It's okay. We've got plenty of time to work through this. I can wait. I don't mind texting but I want to hear your voice when I can't see you too." And I'm really ready to get over this phobia once and for all. I want to talk to him so much! I just can't calm down when it's time to call or answer the phone. How do I start to become comfortable with talking on the phone?

[UsedRomance]

I completely understand! I have to have my mobile on silent because I am so terrified of it ringing.

I've lost jobs because I wouldn't call people when I needed to.

I'm afraid I have no advice except forcing yourself to do it. I had to call a nursery this morning to discuss working with them and I was terrified. I try to just get the facts down and hang up as soon as possible, but without making it obvious. I try to rehearse the conversation before calling too.

For this guy, it sounds like he's understanding so maybe you could call him but warn him that it may only be for a few seconds. I hung up on my fiance loads when we first met, because the phone just got too much for me. He was very lovely about it though and now I have no problem talking to him.

I can count the people I'm comfortable talking to on one hand- I won't even talk to my best friends on the phone. One of them has the very same phobia to as extreme a length as mine, so that works out quite well. We just text or use Facebook.

I've thought about feigning hearing difficulties in the past to get out of phoning people.

[IridescentPrincess]

i have this exact phobia, i hate the sound of the phone ringing and i can not talk on the phone. my best friends do the same thing.. " its just something you have to get over" or " you'll grow out of it" it drives me nuts. especially when they patronize me. ive gotten a slight bit better.. now i can answer my mom.. and one of my exboyfriends. but i still cant call. And anyone else i completely avoid the phone when it rings. but im a text-o-holic. so go figure.

[be_noticed]

well since i have social anxiety i hate it when it gets dark and people can see inside my house, i close the curtains, i dont ever open the doors and i've told my friends to text me instead. i definately dont answer the phones...i never really expect anyone to call me.