Can you buy one of those zoom avatars like a llama or a goat or something? I do zoon with my company pretty often. I hate that I am seen also. I pulled the my camera for zoom is not working a few times but that only lasts a few times.

Look your best. Have good lighting and put on a happy face.

It is different being in front of the scene instead of behind the camera.

When we first started skyping, I was not comfortable, now it's comfortable.

hmm, I don't have to deal w/that, but I always hated skyping also. since we have to wear masks in public, Idk why you couldn't wear one at home, either. it does seem a little weird to have to be on camera, when we all know that if you're just staying home, you probably wouldn't even bother brushing your hair, or showering...I guess I'd find out if it was really necessary to be on camera.

So far, avoidance has been my go-to solution and remains an easy solution.

My first exposure to "teleconferencing" was on design development teams in the 80's. All backstage, of course. Girl howdy, we made some cruel jokes about the self-absorbed executives that were willing to go to such extremes to be seen on screen. So far I've been able to stay behind the camera with enough natural ease that I never even thought to question ^it^.

My hubby kinda likes the "Big Screen" fantasy and has handled most of the remote court sessions, et al of foster parenting in Coronaville. He seems okay handling the academic teleconferencing, as well.

Dunno. . . If ^it^ is, "Performance Anxiety," it ain't the meanest anxiety on my personal anxiety smorgasbord.

Yes- it probably is. Ive always found video chats cause a lot of anxiety.

I like to talk over the phone. I had to do that a couple of weeks ago with my therapist. And it went well. It was like talking to a friend over the phone. He made me feel comfortable and he's a great guy. I'm really lucky to have such a nice and supportive therapist. Italianmomma4ever

You are double lucky to have hearing that will reliably handle phone conversations, Momma. Some days I do have the hearing for the job, but I can never predict which days that will be. On my bad hearing days, I used to rely heavily on lip reading. Used to. . . I bet you know what happened to **that** fail safe.

You are lucky, indeed.

I'm with you, Arfie, lip reading through masks virtually impossible.

Some days, clarity is easier to obtain, as long as I save breathing for in between the words.