Scared to call and interrupt other people?

Question

I have this phobia about calling other people and interrupting their day. It's not so bad with strangers but if it's somebody I know, like my boyfriend or my bestfriend, I'd rather send a text because if they are busy they can always ignore it, right? If I work up the nerve to make the call and they don't answer I'm afraid to leave a voicemail. I'm eighteen and my stupid phobia is starting to get in the way of my social life. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

i know someone just like you and i told her TO STOP IT

Answer 2

I have had this same problem my whole life! I have really bad anxiety. The best thing to do is start of slowly, by doing something everyday that makes you a bit uncomfortable. If you do this everyday it will slowly make things easier. Another thing you could do is talk to a  psychiatrist about taking something for your anxiety.  

Answer 3

i have that too. :(

Answer 4

I think most people who are considerate and thoughtful go through this at some point or another - I used to be a lot like that. I find it's helpful to think about how you would react if someone called you when you're busy - you're not going to think the person is a moron and call them names, are you? You're not going to suddenly think they're a terrible person for calling at an inconvenient time. You're just going to answer and tell them you'll call back, or reject the call, etc. Keep in mind that they're just the same way, so there's no need to feel like you're imposing or annoying them. If they can't take a call they're not going to attack you for it - and if they are that rude then I would find new friends, quite honestly.

To work up to a higher level of comfort with this, start by asking your close friends a little more about what their schedules are like. When are they most likely to be unavailable? When are they unavailable for long chats, but can still answer a quick question? Confirm with them what's best on their end too. If they prefer to be texted first because they're job limits their time on the phone, then do that when you know they're at work. If you know they have all the time in the world to talk at certain hours, then use that as a time to allow yourself to be more spontaneous and call without warning.

Answer 5

wow, i thought i was the only one.

My problem is, I'm like this even at work! I don't want to call too early, because I don't want to wake someone up. I check where they are in the country, and what their time is. I also don't want to call around lunch time, and interrupt their eating. I don't want to call someone's cell while they're at work, for fear of getting them in trouble.

I find myself picking up the phone, starting to dial, then stopping and hanging up, then picking it up again, etc.

Just get over it. Call them. If they can't talk, they simply won't answer. That's what I had to do. Oddly enough, I got past it with friends and family, but it still bothers me with clients.