The phone and I DO NOT get along. I am not sure what the problem with it is. I know that it is inherited...my father is the same way. It is a well known fact that it is almost impossible to reach him. At one point I think he had 3 phone numbers and a pager and still he seemed to never be near any of them! I am definitely tending toward that direction. The sound of an unexpected phone ring actually makes me feel anxious and increases my heart rate. One of the best inventions ever is Caller Id. I like to know who is calling even if I don't like to pick up the phone. The things is, a lot of times it isn't that I don't want to talk...it's just that a phone call seems too sudden - I like to be able to prepare. Many times if people leave me a message tellling me why they called, I call them right back. It's like once I know what I am going to have to discuss I feel more prepared. Phone dates? Big fan of those. I can talk for a long time if I can spend days preparing. I think maybe it is the small talk that kills me. I like short direct phone calls. I like having a goal or a purpose for a call. I like beginning a middle and an end.

Most of my friends know about my phone avoidance. One of my friends calls me often...but she is always prepared with a mental bulleted list. We run rapid fire through all the questions then go on to personal updates and funny stories. We talk faster than you can believe and fit a lot into a 20 minute phone call! Another friend told me a few days ago that she gets anxious thinking about calling me becasue she knows how anxious it makes me! Her approach to me when she does call is based on a reward system. At the end of every phone call she tells me with profuse praise how well I did and how long I managed to talk to her.

Clint says I have to get better about the phone. He is right. Most of my friends and family - who am I kidding- all my friends and family live very far away. If I don't get over this ridiculous phobia I will live a sad and lonley life. Be patient with me friends... I am working on it! Until then, please call with your mental list and lots of praise!!!