We’re not going to tell you to just suck it up. Despite our crippling screen times, calling up a colleague fills us with dread
One of the favourite gen z critiques is the ‘always on their phones but can’t make a call narrative.’ Unfortunately for us, they’re kind of right.
A study by Uswitch found nearly 70% of 18-34-year-olds prefer texting, and 23% don’t ever answer calls. Yet the average daily screen time for 18-24 year olds hits six hours and one minute, according to an Ofcom report back in November.
We’ve grown up in a world where there are countless ways to communicate and endless information at our fingertips.
The nuances of texting in itself are overwhelming. Every app has a different way to interact, with so many options such as memes, photos, captions, emojis, voice notes and reactions.
Texting itself has evolved into its own nuanced language with casual lowercase messages, ironic abbreviations, and chaotic punctuation (or lack thereof). A simple thumbs up from your dad feels slightly passive aggressive. Ellipses? Threatening. Every detail has meaning, and we’ve grown up instinctively reading between the lines.
We’ve always been in a state of standby, constantly accommodating new forms of communication, and it’s kind of exhausting.
It’s no surprise that by the time we have to make a call, we’re already burnt out.
With a text, at least you can wait a while, delete, ignore or sometimes even edit your response. With phone calls, it feels like you’re on live broadcast, I mean it’s just all so… immediate.
How to make phone calls less painful:
1. It’s normal
You’re not alone, and if who you’re calling is between 18-34-year-old, statistically speaking they are likely feeling the exact same way.
2. The I don’t give a f*ck mentality
If you adopt a “not giving a f*ck” mentality with phone calls, you stop stressing about sounding perfect or worrying about annoying the other person. Call with zero fear—if they don’t like it, who cares? Speak your mind, get to the point, and move on. You’re not there to please, you’re there to get sh!t done.
3. Silence is okay
There will be pauses… Embrace it. It’s the perfect time to think about what you’re going to say next.
4. Control the setting
If you’re about to type in that number and let it ring, get cosy or chuck some headphones on and walk around as you talk. Write down a question you want to ask, and keep it in front of you, that way you can write down any follow ups. Make yourself feel as comfortable as possible.
5. Imagine you’re a professional caller
When making phone calls, imagine you’re the secretary handling business. Own the call like it’s part of your job—stay confident, be direct, and don’t get sidetracked. You’re in charge of getting the info you need, so ask questions, take control of the conversation, and don’t apologise for being efficient.
6. Think about all those missed opportunities
Think about it: skipping that phone call could cost you your dream job, or worse, you could miss out on opportunities others won’t bother texting about because it feels too passive-aggressive. Plus, there are still relatives out there who don’t own smartphones (yes, they exist). Pick up the phone and make that call—you’re not just avoiding awkwardness, you’re building connections and keeping things real.
With these tips, the possibilities are endless. You’ll be up for calling anyone from your nan to your dentist. Or if not, just lie if you need to (maybe you’re too busy explaining to your dead houseplant the meaning of life?). Who can blame you? You’re in deep and it’s a delicate process: so no time for calls right now.
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