Phones make my life easier! I can't imagine my life without one. Cell phones should be directly linked with the definition convenience. I set up an interview today using my handy dandy cell phone. I will be interviewing a psychologist and asking them possible solutions or suggestions for my friend's phone phobia. Although my friend wants to get some help with her phobia, getting the free 10 sessions of counseling that our school takes pride in offering per academic year could be problematic. Why so???? Because it would take a lot out of her to call up for the appointment! !
Even though she fears conversation over the telephone, my currently anonymous friend (I haven’t been able to contact her and ask her permission to be a cell-phone-no-so-anonymous on my blog) uses her cell phone as tool to use in case of emergency. God forbid her car ever breaks down in the middle of the road. She thoroughly enjoys and has fun communicating to her friends through text messaging. But for her talking on the phone isn't something to turn to when you are bored and too lazy to do any real work. When I am burnt out, which is a frequent occurrence being a sleep deprived college student, I frequently lay in my bed, pick up the phone, and make calls to friends on campus or across the country to get updates on their lives. Talking on the phone for entertainment purposes is quite indulging.
Being a fan of telecommunications, I understand and can relate to why my friend detests making small talk and finds "dead" time on the other line very painful. When someone has been talking to you and there is nothing else you would rather do than hang up and get along with your present life, do so. Honesty pays off for both parties in this case. Here is a story that perfectly illustrates the payoff. Sure, no one wants to be rude, but no one thrives on boredom either. Do yourself and your phone-mate a favor. If you are in a direct mood just simply say, "I am sick of talking on the phone. Have a good....day, afternoon, night." If you don't want to offend them say, "I really got to run. Nice talking to you." I will let your white lie slip in this situation, but it does feel more empowering to tell the truth. It will also strengthen your relationship. Maybe they will respond "I wasn't feeling it either," “I’m glad we can be so honest with one another,” or "You are such a self-centered bitch. Just because your not having fun, conversations over?"
I have found that time on the phone doesn’t commemorate the present. It handles the past with “Oh my god, you wouldn’t believe what this boy in class so obnoxiously said today.” Conversations also look to the future with, “So does Friday night at 7 work for you? Okay, see you then.” The least frequented conversations are for the now. Few deal with the present. Some do deal with the now, but they tend to be the shorter phone calls. For example, "Dad, I am on my way into the voting booth. How did you say I should vote on the Indian Caisinos?," "I am completely lost, did you say I should take the 85 south or north, “I'm at the box office and forgot my credit card. Can you give me your credit card information now?”
