The Art of the Phone Call
Let’s be honest. Most of us have certain friends that we only text with. We might check in over social media or see them in person now and then, but an actual phone call would probably freak them out. We can connect with people around the world in incredible ways, and phone calls just aren’t as necessary, useful, or common as they once were. And for people who lean introvert like me, texting is less intimidating than talking live.
Enter: the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. Suddenly, it feels like texts don’t cut it anymore. We are isolated in our homes, trying to adjust to new realities of life in the shadow of a virus, and dealing with a world that feels upside down. We need to hear each other’s voices, to cry together, and to find humor where we can.
Video conferencing is great, too, of course. We can see the faces of those we love. Facial expressions and body language speak volumes. But there is something magical about phone calls – fewer technological distractions, I suppose, and somehow more intimate.
So, if it’s been a while since you’ve regularly made phone calls – especially the “just to chat” kind – it might be helpful to have a little refresher:
DO call your friends and family even if it feels weird. Lots of people are feeling alone and out of sorts these days.
DO consider scheduling phone calls. Since people could be working or managing kids (or both simultaneously), it’s not a bad idea to nail down a time to talk that’s convenient for both of you.
DO check on people in your life who are elderly or have medical conditions. Don’t just ask how they are doing, ask if and how they want to be helped.
DON’T worry about awkward silences. Our brains are working overtime processing a constantly evolving situation. It’s okay to hold space for thinking. That said, if you’re worried you won’t have anything to say, jot down a few questions ahead of time.
DON’T be afraid to tell people you care about them, even if you’re not the mushy type. True, they probably understand that you care because you’re taking the time to call, but it’s still nice to hear the words.
My mom has always been great about calling family and friends. She’s a good listener with a warm heart, she loves to laugh, and she’s my favorite person to chat with on the phone. She’s fun on text, too, but these days, I call her more than text. She has inspired me to reach out to others, too. Talking on the phone breaks through the isolation, helps me feel connected to life outside of my home, and provides a chance to give and receive the support that is so needed right now. Even the introvert in me agrees, it’s good medicine.
Writer: Joy Johnston
Joy Johnston is the founder of Life Wants to Live and CEO of Mojo Strategies. Her inner Public Information Officer would like to remind everyone to always refer to the Centers for Disease Control and state and local health departments for the most current and accurate information about COVID-19.