Most of the time, talking on the phone is a nuisance. Are less intrusive ways to communicate if something is not urgent, and pick up the phone can to sense as an obligation, devote time to a conversation that didn’t need your attention right away.
What’that’s why – except some exceptions – you should try sending text before calling someone on the phone. Even though it seems like an indirect route to get someone to pay attention, will probably help your relationship with them long-term.
Calling out of nowhere can seem aggressive
Nothing shouts “I demand that you spend more time with me” like an impromptu phone call. Even in this time of isolation, people are still busy, with a steady stream of digital notifications and reminders of Zoom meetings competing for your attention. A phone call implies an immediate demand for someone else’s time; a text message pushes the ball a little bit, using a polite suggestion to say more when you arrive the chance.
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It is true that people are attached to their mobile devices, but that does not mean that they are mainly used for real phone calls. An unexpected buzz in your pocket when you’re changing your baby’s diapers or trying to corner your dog for a walk only adds to the stress of everyday life. TThe busy person you’re trying to reach will probably want to send your call directly to voicemail.
People forget to return calls
This is also true for text messages, but a call seems much more temporary and therefore is likely to escape someone’s memory. A text or emailat the very least it has longer service life. If ignored initially, it will remain in your inbox as an easy reminder of what’s on your to-do list. In addition, a text it is implicitly less important than a phone call – it requires the recipient’s attention, though not at any time.
It may not be a good thing, but the convenience of personal technology has made everyone decidedly lazier. Time is essential in basically all aspects of life, so reading a text and typing in an answer – even if it’s a little late – sounds like a much simpler proposition compared to a turn on.
You want someone to really have time
Even if your voice is filtered through a speaker, a call can make it a little easier interactions that need more attention from the person you’re calling. Having a phone call probably requires even more attention than talking to someone in person – there are no facial clues or shared visual experience to motivate. From the caller’s point of view, you are doing yourself a poor job of calling someone without notice.
If you need someone’s full attention, sending a text message is a less invasive way of informing you. Especially if you need to discuss something personal or important, you can’t expect anyone to have time to drop everything and focus on their needs. While this is good, we cannot allI’m so lucky.
There are exceptions
Obviously, there are times when a phone call is needed due to extreme and unforeseen circumstances. If you have to deliver some tragic news, for example, you may deserve a call, since you would like to add a human touch to the conversation. (Emergencies that require an immediate response also fall into this category, obviously)
For some people, there is an understanding of who falls into a short list of people who can call in any Time. These are the people closest to you, by whom you find it extremely difficult to be disturbed. Furthermore, you understand that these people will understand if you are not immediately available to chat, since, apparently, you already have a very strong bond.
But these people are few and far between, and in any case, they can just text you to schedule a conversation for later.