I think I have telephonaphobia... fear of using the telephone.
Especially when it comes to business or impersonal calls, I actually have to psych myself up to call people. I don't know what I am so nervous about, but I must rehearse my first few lines several times, wait till there are no other people in the room (this is usually impossible when you work in an open-concept office), and take a drink of water to clear my throat. Even with personal calls to family and friends, I will often delay calling for hours or days if I can, because I dislike the idea of having to initiate contact.
I am trying to figure out where this stems from. I am wondering if it doesn't come from when I had to deal with collection agencies years ago. Then, every phone call meant I was in trouble, and someone wanted my money.
It's not an enjoyable phobia (unlike all those enjoyable phobias), and I wish I could be rid of it. I am confident in public speaking, and most other areas of life. It's just the phone that freaks me out.
3 comments:
I had that phobia for quite sometime in the professional/office setting. Sharing my office with Amy for 2.5 months actually helped because she cheered me on and always complimented me on my professional phone use (and I did the same to her). You just need your own personal cheerleader!
diddo on sharing your phobia, although I might not have it quite as bad as you. I especially hate phoning parents of students.
At least I am not alone. Thanx. Maybe it's an office affliction.
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