I hate talking on the phone also.

It sucks. I can't get anything done for procrastinating phone calls. Getting a job namely.

Leaving voicemail messages is just as bad. When given the option to play back my message, I always re-record, because I sound like a little kid on drugs. Maybe I need elocution lessons.

Same here. It's very difficult for me sometimes to speak on the phone. Particularly at work. I too avoid recording any kind of message for voicemail, etc., I'm very self-conscious that way. Though we are able to overcome - all of us. I've noticed that sometimes it's just a matter of doing it - once it's done, it's like, not so bad. Though a lot of times I'm plagued with thoughts of "should've said this" or "maybe that came out wrong" - always second guessing myself. It really comes down to self-confidence and being okay with who you are. I've been working on that for a long time. I'd encourage some reading some Pema Chodron and Dalai Llama. Helps me immensely.

I am awkward on phone too. I also forget to say things. Get tongue-tied.

Wow, I'm reading comments that absolutely describe ME! I think that talking on the phone is one of my biggest problems. This phone-avoidance problem has caused me to lose friends, confound family members, and appear rude when I don't /can't return calls. I found that emailing has been my salvation, but it can't totally replace the phone - wish it could. Do you ever find yourself "talking over" the person on the line, just because you're not sure when he/she is ending their sentence? I'm always saying, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." I found a tiny way to lesson my anxiety, but you'll think I'm crazy (oh wait, isn't that why we're all here? lol).......if I use speaker phone (and am alone, so there is privacy), I seem to be able to get through the conversation a bit more easily. I ask the caller if it's ok to use speaker phone, explaining that I can hear better that way and I think I actually do hear better. Having such a severe, limiting phobia is such a huge obstacle. Try explaining that fear to others! The few I shared with just don't get it.......

I hate talking on the phone! If I can accomplish the same task with email or text, I will always avoid making a phone call. I prefer getting someone's voicemail so at least I don't have to have an uncomfortable conversation, I just have to beat myself up about the awkward message I just left.

Oh my, I wish I had a tip for you but really I just want to thank you for bringing it up! I had no idea anyone else felt this way! I guess I should've guessed but... even so. You are not alone and now I know that I'm not either. SO for whatever that is worth, right? What I do do if I have to make a call and can't get around it, is a write out what I need to say and remind myself to take it slow since we all talk faster when we're nervous. The only other tip and I don't use this with the phone (though I should) but I do it with social situations in general is I try to IMAGINE that I am confident... I think to myself "no one can FEEL how uncomfortable I am except me so if I just ACT like I have everything under control and smile and listen then I will be the only one who knows it" and honestly when I do that enough I actually start to FEEL more confident.. It takes practice though. Good luck!

Oh and voicemails *GROANS* I always sound like a complete dufus but.. don't worry I think thats even more common than phone anxiety. Think about it.. when was the last time you heard a voicemail left on your phone that wasn't a little rambly or akward? Just remember that you are your own harshest judge. :-)

I don’t particularly like talking on the phone but I have to do it a lot at work. I do ok with it most of the time but sometimes if someone comes by the front desk and I have to talk on the phone in front of them it bothers me. Sometimes it bothers me so bad I start stuttering and my heart starts beating fast. I don’t like talking to family members on the phone but I’ve gotten better at it. I remember being at a family reunion and a distant relative called and my family passed the phone around the room so we all could talk them…awkward!!

I had this issue really bad, almost to the point that I would never call anyone! It was horrible for my social life as well. But I got a job as an operator where all day at work I have to call complete strangers and have conversations or leave voicemails. I was so shy at first and some times had anxiety, but it has certainly gotten rid of my phone phobia! It has also improved my social anxiety in face to face situatioins as well. Although it sucks, stepping out of your comfort zone really helps. Sometimes you can't just step out of your comfort zone, you have to be forced. I would suggest confiding in a really good friend about your struggles and see if you can practice your phoning skills with them. Ask to call them once a day just to have a conversation -small talk is harder than one would think! You can also call a help line of some kind for depression or something along those lines. The people on the other end want to help you and they will be patient. Let them know your problem and see if they can help you?
Good Luck!

I have horrible phone anxiety. Ordering food, calling to make appointments, even calling friends and family. I pick up the phone, and my heart starts racing. Voicemails from me are always awkward, and I won't check my own because I don't want to have to hear those words: "call me back".
If I can text or e-mail to accomplish what a phone call or going somewhere in person can do, I will do it. Granted, going to see someone in person is not much of a step up, but for some reason, talking on the phone is just terrible for me.

I have a similar problem. I don't talk on the phone, I'll walk miles to make an appointment if need be so as to avoid phoning. I wont get a job because my phone is always turned off, and I then feel bad that I'm wasting peoples time by not returning calls, but the fact is I can't. I'm stuck in an awkward situation as I am looking for employment. It's been a lifelong issue for me..

This describes me pretty well and I thought it was just something weird about myself and uncommon...

Finally! I have found people who share the same struggles! Just joined this group... I have such a tremendous fear with phones, especially the first call... It's awful.. And usually costs my friendships. ):

Bluebirdfaith, I had no Clue anyone felt like this either I thought it was just a strange part of my personality .

Thanks for posting this ,Spiky