The dreaded telephone

Does anyone else get really anxious when talking on the phone? Any tips for overcoming the irrational fear?

Granted, I'm fine talking with friends & family, but when I need to call, or accept a call from, a complete stranger, I panic. It's weird, because I don't get distressed talking to strangers in person.

I've been known to agonize over making a simple phone call for days, even going so far as to script what I want to say, and wait until they aren't around so I can just leave a message. Every single time I finally do talk to a stranger on the phone, I'm fine within a few seconds, but the anticipation leading up to it is usually unbearable. Not sure why. It's silly, really.

It's weird. I can't explain what created the anxiety in the first place, or why I never seem to remember that talking on the phone isn't scary or bad.

(((Symbolic)))

I found this article that may or may not be of interest:

What Do You Do When You Are Afraid of Making Phone Calls?

Omg I do the same thing. I thought I was freakin crazy! I can't help u on what to do about the problem but I can tell u that u r not alone. Wow. I hate/dread any phone call and those with family. But after I get to talking for a min I'm fine. So many important phone calls go unanswered. Especially if I don't know the number I have to let the voicemail pick it up. Same if someone come knocking on the door.

i do the same thing. I avoid the phone when possible, email or text instead. You're not alone. I've gotten a little better as I get older, but I still hate to talk on the phone.

Thanks! I think exposure training will probably work best for me. Not sure how smiling when answering or making calls will help, but I'll try that too.

Yes, phoning used to really bother me. It was only through making lots of calls that it got better. I still don't call by choice, but have much less anxiety when I have to make a call these days.