No, what you are experiencing is not weird at all. Many people find it challenging to make phone calls, particularly when it comes to making service calls or appointments. There are several reasons why phone calls can be more difficult than face-to-face interactions or other forms of communication:
Lack of Visual Cues: In face-to-face interactions, we rely on visual cues such as body language and facial expressions to help us understand the other person's response and adjust our communication accordingly. During a phone call, these visual cues are absent, making it harder to gauge the other person's reactions.
Fear of Misunderstandings: Without visual cues, there is a fear of misinterpreting or being misunderstood during a phone conversation, which can lead to anxiety and reluctance to make the call.
One-Way Communication: In a phone call, there is often one person speaking at a time, leading to a sense of being on the spot and feeling pressure to come up with the right words.
Social Anxiety: People with social anxiety may find phone calls particularly challenging because they fear judgment or negative evaluation by the person on the other end of the line.
Perceived Lack of Control: Some individuals may feel more in control of the conversation in face-to-face interactions, where they can observe the other person's reactions and adjust their approach accordingly. In phone calls, this sense of control may feel diminished.
Fear of Rejection: Making service calls or appointments may involve potential rejection or not getting the response one desires, which can be anxiety-provoking for some individuals.
Previous Negative Experiences: Past negative experiences with phone calls, such as unpleasant interactions or conflicts, can create a negative association with phone conversations, making them more challenging in the future.
If you find phone calls difficult, you are not alone, and there are strategies to cope with this challenge:
- Practice: Start with low-stakes phone calls and gradually work your way up to more important ones.
- Write Down Key Points: Before making the call, jot down the essential points or questions you want to address to feel more prepared.
- Role-play: Consider practicing phone calls with a friend or family member to build your confidence.
- Seek Support: If phone calls cause significant distress, consider talking to a mental health professional who can help you explore and manage the underlying reasons for your anxiety.
Remember, everyone has their strengths and challenges when it comes to communication, and what matters most is finding ways to communicate that work best for you.