Friends using messages instead of picking up the phone

Some people don't particularly like talking on the phone. I have never been that comfortable, unless I know someone really well. Without visual cues, I find it difficult to judge the mood of the conversation or when to speak.

My reluctance has nothing to do with the advent of texts but I have read that young people are extremely reluctant to use the phone, and some are actually fearful of doing so. That is presumably the result of people living their lives online and feeling more vulnerable using a less controlled method of communication. I can understand that in a way - with texts you choose exactly when to communicate and what to say - and have time to consider how you will reply.

Eloethan

Some people don't particularly like talking on the phone. I have never been that comfortable, unless I know someone really well. Without visual cues, I find it difficult to judge the mood of the conversation or when to speak.

My reluctance has nothing to do with the advent of texts but I have read that young people are extremely reluctant to use the phone, and some are actually fearful of doing so. That is presumably the result of people living their lives online and feeling more vulnerable using a less controlled method of communication. I can understand that in a way - with texts you choose exactly when to communicate and what to say - and have time to consider how you will reply.

Eloethan Some people don't particularly like talking on the phone.

Me - I hate to waste time on the phone.

I remember when the phone ringing was exciting as a friend would be calling to suggest going out. No one chats anymore as humans voice contact is what we are built for. Not hunched backed over a mobile texting. I volunteer as a phone friend. We phone a person and actually talk. No texting. There's a loneliness epidemic in the world. Dial a number and take the time to appreciate your friend.

I'm with M0nica. I love hearing people's voices.
Living alone, I really value being able to have a catch-up chat with friends, including those who live overseas, via WhatsApp.
I never mind a tv programme being interrupted. If it's any good, there's BBCiplayer or similar. Real contact with a real person comes first for me.

Guilty as charged! My various impairments mean I find it easier to text. ( Ido still speak to people on the phone too).

Eloethan

Some people don't particularly like talking on the phone. I have never been that comfortable, unless I know someone really well. Without visual cues, I find it difficult to judge the mood of the conversation or when to speak.

I really do not like talking on the phone. And I particularly hate talking to companies or organisations who want to give me lots of information, data, figures, or facts, that way - it doesn't allow time to think whilst you are scribbling down all the info they are giving you - and I learned shorthand, and use it, but it's still stressful.

... but I love talking face-to-face with family and friends!

I am fairly deaf and have 2 hearing aids. Phone calls are a misery. If I need to speak to the bank, British Gas etc. I have to have the phone on speaker and my OH nearby to correct me if I have mis-heard what has been said. AI Bots I'm sorry to say make those sort of calls easier (usually).

I do not mind WhatsApp messages, but it took 31 texts between 6 people over a period of several hours to change the venue (unnecessarily) for a regular coffee morning; when we arrived the proprietor failed to turn up and it remained closed.

One DD always phones or FaceTimes.
The other messages unless she wants to know something immediately e.g. Do I want to go out for lunch or a coffee?
I like hearing voices, so I’d prefer to call, but like the message I’m posting here, I dictate rather than typing, so a WA exchange can be quite speedy.

I often text someone to ask if now is a good time to phone them.

This is personal preference. I myself prefer phone calls with certain people...just a few people actually. All others I prefer texts. For my aunt, with whom I talk regularly, we schedule our phone calls. She's close in age to me and we both really enjoy long talks to each other. For your friend who sends long texts, if your preference is for phone calls, I suggest doing your thing. Which is to keep your reply to a minimum. If your friend wants more input from you, she'll call. Maybe it helps her just to vent(?). On that note, I wonder if she has considered just journaling when she needs to vent.