so, my phone keeps ringing- and when i look at the number, it's withheled.

this wouldn't be a problem, butthey keep ringing- as if it's important.

but they never leave any messages

I know part of me wants to just answer it and see who it is and put my fears to rest, but I'm sort of paronoyed it's someone who's just got my number from somewhere and just keeps rringing and ringing and ringing.

next time I know I should probably answer it, but..

[SeekerSeeking]

Just pick it up and hang up immediately...that should tell them to quit. Otherwise, answer it. Won't knowing be better than the anxiety of not knowing. And/or, if you can block it.
Hoping you are feeling better!

[Candy1955]

if they ask you a question right off with a yes or no answer just hang up. they are up to no good.

[marvin_pa]

I simply refuse to answer number witheld calls - that means that the caller has deliberately chosen to hide their number & for someone calling me, there's no good reason for doing so.

You may be able to setup your phone to simply ignore withheld number calls, without even ringing. If someone has a legitimate reason for calling, they can display their number & given that your caller doesn't even leave voicemail, then they're not worth spending any time or stress on.

BTW, I'd actually advise against pick up/hang up - that confirms that they're calling a valid number & may set you up for further calls. Same thing for blowing an air horn down the line at annoying phone pests - doesn't work, because phone systems will automatically clip signals beyond a certain volume.

Originally Posted by SeekerSeeking

Just pick it up and hang up immediately...that should tell them to quit. Otherwise, answer it. Won't knowing be better than the anxiety of not knowing. And/or, if you can block it.
Hoping you are feeling better!

I might do that next time they call back.

they've not done so yet... not sure it's because they are bored, or out, what ever... but that's cool

[Shazerac]

Withheld number is usually a sales call. I don’t advise answering it, Because then your number is flagged as active. If it is the same number you should be able to block it on your phone.

[butterscotch444]

Originally Posted by shattered sanity

so, my phone keeps ringing- and when i look at the number, it's withheled.

this wouldn't be a problem, butthey keep ringing- as if it's important.

but they never leave any messages

I know part of me wants to just answer it and see who it is and put my fears to rest, but I'm sort of paronoyed it's someone who's just got my number from somewhere and just keeps rringing and ringing and ringing.

next time I know I should probably answer it, but..

I answer sometimes, and use different voices, say crazy whacked out stuff! Usually.....click on other end! Solves that! Or ask them personal questions/ tell them " your being traced"!

[scatterbrained04]

Those kind of calls are usually scammers, sales, or debt collectors. I guess you could always answer it so you can put your worries at ease.

[butterscotch444]

Originally Posted by marvin_pa

I simply refuse to answer number witheld calls - that means that the caller has deliberately chosen to hide their number & for someone calling me, there's no good reason for doing so.

You may be able to setup your phone to simply ignore withheld number calls, without even ringing. If someone has a legitimate reason for calling, they can display their number & given that your caller doesn't even leave voicemail, then they're not worth spending any time or stress on.

BTW, I'd actually advise against pick up/hang up - that confirms that they're calling a valid number & may set you up for further calls. Same thing for blowing an air horn down the line at annoying phone pests - doesn't work, because phone systems will automatically clip signals beyond a certain volume.

I didn't know all this!! Wow! All I know is, its rude of them to call without a #!

I've still not answered the phone.

came close to it yesterday, but backed out at the last moment

Originally Posted by shattered sanity

so, my phone keeps ringing- and when i look at the number, it's withheled.

this wouldn't be a problem, butthey keep ringing- as if it's important.

but they never leave any messages

I know part of me wants to just answer it and see who it is and put my fears to rest, but I'm sort of paronoyed it's someone who's just got my number from somewhere and just keeps rringing and ringing and ringing.

next time I know I should probably answer it, but..

Yeah, you probably should answer it. This has been a big problem for me in the past so I understand the abject fear that ringing phone gives you.

I heard something today which really hit home for me as I was having my own anxiety problem. The person said, "The hardest part about any challenge is the first three seconds."

well,

I finally answered it.

I feel so stupid- it was a woman from london wondering if I got something that I ordered a few months ago.

I shouldn't have to be scared by that... wow.

she did mention about an outstanding payment, but I sorted that with her too.

feel so stupid... I didn't answer because I honestly thought it was the police/ FBI/ something to do with investigators

( yes, I am terrified of those types of people!)

[butterscotch444]

Aweeeee!!

Maybe it's already been mentioned but have a thought about the message you have on your voicemail. If your were to ask people to leave a name and number to reach them they would do so. That would take care of those unknown callers.

I simply just don't answer calls where the individual is not identified.

[moonmorgan]

We got rid of our home phone and only have cell phones now. I don't answer numbers I don't recognize. I don't have anxiety from answering phones per say but I hate talking on the phone. Give me email or a text anytime. I like having time to formulate what I want to say and how I want to say. Being misunderstood does cause me anxiety.

[butterscotch444]

I like email too- gives chance to make corrections etc.

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Maybe it's already been mentioned but have a thought about the message you have on your voicemail. If your were to ask people to leave a name and number to reach them they would do so. That would take care of those unknown callers.

I simply just don't answer calls where the individual is not identified.

can you believe I never did that? (set up my own voicemail)

I used to take the attitude- if I don't set up voicemail, people won't call me as they will think the number's dead anyway

but I might have to now

[Jenny2108]

I dread answering the phone even if it's someone I know. I also go completely silent and freeze when someone rings the doorbell at home and I don't know they're coming. No matter if it's someone I talk to on a daily basis or a stranger. It's terrible.

[Sasqautch]

For me im too scared to call unless its my dad or mom cus i trust them , I trust very few people lol. If im told to ring up for appointments or even something that could affect me if i don't i choose not to. Even though the person cant see me im still worried , I always think they will think im dumb or i may talk funny or they will hate me or they will be suspicious of me ect...