Anyone else find it harder to talk to a stranger on the phone than talking to a stranger physicly in front of you? (phobia, name)

[BECLAZONE]

Originally Posted by Jas182

I was talking to a woman on the phone about joining the gym, and it got me thinking, why am I so scared (to extent of butterflies in my stomach!) about calling a stranger on the phone, but not scarred at all about physically seeing and talking to a stranger. I don't really understand why I'm like this? one would think it would be the other way round, as talking to a stranger on the phone is less likely to punch you or whatever? But being a social person, I'd rather see what the persons body language is and stuff when asking questions...

Am I the only person that's like this, or is there anyone else here who would rather see a stranger physically when talking about something regarding joining the gym or talking about bank problems, than talking to the stranger through the phone?

Great subject, and I'm glad you brought it up.

I was just thinking about this yesterday, when I called someone that I knew, but have never met. If I'd had a video link, I think I'd be okay, but I just have a problem with phones, even Skype to landlines.

There is a plus, my phone bill is tiny.

I'm not sure if this has any relevance, but as a child I was told never to answer the phone, and that I didn't sound refined enough to talk to anyone that called.

[mshultz]

I am uncomfortable talking on the telephone. There are also technical problems. I have difficulty recognizing people's voices (When I have to call, I immediately tell people who I am). Landlines have a restricted and unnatural frequency response, but are far superior to cell phones. Every time a cell phone cuts out, it causes me to miss syllables both before and after the cut. Foreign accents are a real problem, too.

[Bluesmama]

Total opposite here. As much as I despise phones, for business-related matters I prefer it over in-person, and I don't know why. Maybe it's because it takes less time in most cases.

[Roaddog]

I hate talking on the phone.

[Gerania]

My son has this problem. He becomes agitated, starts pacing and sometimes hands the phone to me. Thanks for nothin' son.

He has gotten better because he has to receive/handle customer calls at work. It's bad form to hang up on the customer.

[vkhmini]

Depends..... am I mad?

[Ohio-117]

Originally Posted by Jas182

I was talking to a woman on the phone about joining the gym, and it got me thinking, why am I so scared (to extent of butterflies in my stomach!) about calling a stranger on the phone, but not scarred at all about physically seeing and talking to a stranger. I don't really understand why I'm like this? one would think it would be the other way round, as talking to a stranger on the phone is less likely to punch you or whatever? But being a social person, I'd rather see what the persons body language is and stuff when asking questions...

Am I the only person that's like this, or is there anyone else here who would rather see a stranger physically when talking about something regarding joining the gym or talking about bank problems, than talking to the stranger through the phone?

I totally know what you're feeling I'm uncomfortable with talking on the phone, period, for those reasons and only do it when I absolutely need to.

[motormaker]

No.

[lost_immortal]

That is actually a phobia. It's literally called phonophobia.
More people have it than anyone wants to admit.
Which sucks for people like me whose job it is to plan events. Most of the time I can just email them but when I have to actually call someone I have to psych myself out for like 20 minuets before I can do it.

[linda814]

I hate calling people I don't know...I start stuttering...and say the wrong things...if people call me...it's fine...like new doctor offices or repair people....so when I have to call a new place I love when they have a machine and you can leave yiur number.... for some reason that takes the pressure off....what pressure who knows!!