The Animator

This is really stupid, but basically I have a fear of talking to someone on the phone.

As in, you'd call me but I'm too scared to pick up the phone. (I only feel scared when it comes to friends, not family)

Somewhat recently, my friend has been calling me and I pick up half the time. I just let my phone ring for a while and head go somewhere else (cough bathroom) so I can text them a while later saying "sorry for not picking up".

They once asked me to go onto a zoom meeting with them to look at cool stuff, but I said my phone was dying (it was) and I couldn't go. I didn't charge my phone until nighttime because I wanted to avoid talking to *anyone*.

It's mostly the fact that I'm scared to do things with friends outside of school. I've never had a sleepover or anything like that before, I'd rather stay at home by myself or with family. I'm not used to doing anything with friends, basically.

I was hoping to explain to my friend(s) in person that I prefer texting over talking because it's more convenient. I don't have to put on a cheery voice (not cheery, but it's more like these emojis: 💅😩✨), I can respond whenever, and I don't have to speak or have anyone hear me speak.

Covid happened so we're doing virtual now so... I'm not sure what to do.

Advice?

[note: I'm improving a bit, I can pick up the phone and realize 10 seconds later that I picked up and I'm talking to a real person]

[note 2: I want avoid using excuses and most likely go down the route of explaining my comfort zone, but i think explaining and going out of my comfort zone works too]

hmmmmn

I have absolutely no idea, but here it seems like the logical thing to do is to explain to your friends that you aren’t comfortable with talking over calls yet

with zoom, you can turn your camera off, same w/ the mic

and you can just turn both off and communicate through the zoom chat?

idk wut to sey have good day

if you cant exactly talk to them in person to say you prefer texting over calling, just text them you prefer texting over calling.

I believe if you keep ignoring calls, your stability to talk normally with other people might fade? That’s what I fear, but it’s occasionally good to join calls before you become a full awkward being who can’t even order a normal Starbucks Frappuccino 😔

I agree with Ai and weasel tho, definitely always tell others how you feel 💜

I’m sure they’d listen

HDSJUD I MEANT ABILITY, NOT STABILITY

Good lord my English is dying so much-

Thank you, I'll tell them over text, 100%

I just need a way to tell to them in the most *nicest and most gentle* way possible :)

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And Asmo, I feel like you're right in some way

I could talk to people fine, but ever since I started staying home more I start to stutter a lot

s t a b i l i t y