I have problems with family members in that I can't chat rather must keep the call short, succint, and down to business. As for friends and aquaintances, I can't talk to on the phone at all. I prefer text or (written) chat via Skype or Facebook. I can't answer the phone at all if it is a number I don't recognize.

I get a great deal of anxiety on the phone. I wonder if it is from the fact that growing up I never used it for social reasons (I had no friends to call me). Thus the phone was solely for conducting business. You said what needed to be said and that was the end of any conversation. I feel uncomfortable on the phone - especially of moments of silence. It's excruciating. My boyfriend seems to understand this though and it is easier to talk to him than others.

Possible reason two is that I have a small degree of hearing loss. Not being able to see the other person speak leaves me ill at ease.