Why I Never Talk on the Phone

Are you like me in that you will chose not to answer your mobile or make a call in many, many circumstances, usually when you determine the "sound comprehension angst" is just too much? In other words, almost ubiquitously, I will either not call someone or will not pick up a call because the probability of having a unclear conversation due to background noise is very high. Fact, I cannot stand to converse with someone when I can't hear them. Fact, I detest repeating myself. Fact, I detest asking someone to repeat themselves (an empathetic reaction I think, as I would hate it in their shoes). Fact, I detest the blank pseudo I know what you said look with the accompanying "mmmm, yeah" response (ie the generic response for I am listening). Why do I detest these things (and the repetitive use of repeate and detest is already irking me!)? They make me feel awkward and uncomfortable. I don't even know whether I should be embarrassed or not; I am in social awkwardness purgatory. I was brought up to avoid these situations at all costs. Awkwardness is Evil. Just read the Muppet Book of Manners. So, I rarely use my mobile in terms of talking as opposed to texting. If I am at work, I am surrounded by people and out of a concern of privacy try to forego personal calls. And I can't use it at the gym, theatre, cinema, etc. Lets see, what else do I do with my time….dates, no that would be rude (have done it on date to be purposely rude and trash the date). I would use it out with girlfriends only if deemed required. If I am en via (aka using Transport for London), then I can't use it because I can't hear myself think not to mention speak and listen. And en flagrente delicto….wait, that is right, I don't even remember what that is! Here is a story from the trenches. I was supposed to call Speed who is in the US when I was walking to meet a friend, but due to bus reroutes I had to go an unfamiliar way, and walk a different way. Thus I needed my wits to determine where I was and where I was going AND it was raining miserably. I couldn't both talk to him on the phone and find my way. I did attempt to do sobut got lost and had to depart the call to arrive at my destination after speaking only a few minutes. It was either that, or catch cold number 599 because of prolonged wet exposure. Texting and email are great because they are silent. You can preserve privacy, or subdue someone in silence.