“I hate talking on the phone” every introvert ever. For many introverts, phone calls aren’t exactly a welcomed friend.
Texts? That could work.
Calls on the other hand seem pretty intrusive. Have you ever been texting someone and they start calling you? You begin wondering why they are doing that. To an introvert, this is completely normal.
Introverts would avoid anything that would require them to talk on the phone, except they absolutely want to and that is a rare occurrence.
I’ve been in situations where I would only go ahead with a meeting or a conversation if it was via texts. Calls? No thank you.
It makes complete sense. I avoid leaving my personal space in my body, only makes sense I’ll take my voice with me. So, when my phone rings, my heart does this little skip where I’m like “who is calling me and why would they be doing that?”
Mentally introverts tend to associate phone calls with emergencies. Except of course you’re a close friend or family. And even those know they shouldn’t be calling you all the time. I hate talking on the phone.
When your phone rings, it triggers my anxiety generally and then I get upset when it’s not important. There are a lot of people who have this telephonophobia and most of them are introverts.
So why does this happen? Does this apply to everyone in your life?
Why Introverts Completely Detest Talking on the phone?
Here are some of the reasons introverts detest and would not want to talk to you over the phone.
Fear of Impending Doom
When someone calls over the phone, there tends to be this paralyzing fear that overwhelms you before your reach the phone. Different thought scenarios go across your mind and you begin wondering what could be wrong.
Introverts spending time alone is more like them being in their own little bubble. Do you know what an unexpected phone call does? It bursts that bubble. This might make us seem like cry babies because it’s the real world, get used to making phone calls, right?
Wrong.
Introversion is a personality trait and just as they can adjust to fit in the real world, they are part of the real world. So, everyone else can adjust as well. Meeting each other halfway.
The Dreaded Small Talk
Yes, I know you’ve had lunch and I’m really happy for you. Really because I am. But I don’t think I want to hear about it right now. Many phone calls tend to be full of small talk. Introverts loathe this. Isn’t this old news?
When a call has more meaning attached to it, there’s no doubt an introvert would understand. When it gets awkward, however, it’s like “can the floor open up and take me into its embrace?”. That sounds so much better than a long series of awkward, fake, and meaningless chitchat.
Remember, all introverts differ. Some hate phone calls more than others but one thing they share is simple. They need a shirt that goes “I hate talking on the phone”. We really do.
You’re Not the Person We Want to Talk To
However, I would very much appreciate talking to them in person. But how?
Considering I don’t like leaving my personal space? Simple, I want to talk to them. When introverts want to do something or be in someone’s company, they are a little more bearable than when this isn’t the case.
Calling an introvert over the phone isn’t so hard. You simply just don’t. Over ask first. Or have something important to say. Or be the person they want to talk to at the moment.
We Would Rather Just Text
Other people need to understand that texting is just fine. However, if it’s meaningless it isn’t just fine. Cancel all of it. Just as much as we hate meaningless conversations, we also hate them in texts.
Doesn’t it get lonely? Sometimes we get bored and would entertain a little of it. Sometimes we get lonely and would mind you just checking in. But every time we would wish there was no awkward phase of that conversation.
Sometimes we prefer non-verbal communication. Introverts like to observe and understand through body language. You don’t always have to say something. But that applies in person. Over the phone, we can’t read your body language so it gets pretty difficult.
How To Talk To Someone Over The Phone As Introverts
Yes, you detest talking over the phone but it can be pretty important. So here are a few ways to make it an easier ride for you.
1. Make A Plan
If you’ll need to be in a phone call, zoom call, or any other form of call, make a plan. One reason introverts hate phone calls is that they never see it coming. Making a plan with people around you before they call you helps you prepare.
If people want to call you, you can plan ahead. Tell them when you’ll be free to make a call. Let them know if you want to or you don’t.
2. Calm Yourself
That little skip your heart does when someone calls you, that’s your anxiety acting up. Take a deep breath. If it’s a phone call you do not want to engage in longer, talk your way out of it. What’s the worst that could happen?
Watching your phone ring is one way to go about it. Picking up the call and finding out is another. Enduring a long series of chit-chat you would rather blow your brains out than endure is not a way.
3. Let People Know
Introverts tend to endure things because they don’t want to come off as “rude” but here’s the thing, you have to teach people about yourself. Telling people around you how you detest phone calls is one way to start.
Tell them if they can test it, then they should. There’s no need to make a call except they let you know prior. The only exception is an emergency.
How To Ensure Phone Calls Aren’t the End of You?
“I hate making phone calls” yes. Here are ways to maintain your sanity while still possessing a phone.
- Voicemails are one way to tell people to leave text messages instead of calling you.
- When giving your phone number to someone, let them know you prefer texts. Calls should only be when necessary.
- In a situation you miss a call, you can always text them back to know what’s up.
- If you have the option of filling in your email address instead of your number, do that.
- Switch off your ring tone. This has saved my life.
- Reply message as quickly as you can. This eradicates the thought of calling you from your opponent.
Or you could just watch the phone ring and when it’s done, hit them with the “Can’t talk right now. What’s up?’
