The phone call

The phone. Both been a blessing and a curse to introverts around the world. On one hand its the perfect way to maintain a social interaction with people, without actually having to be face to face. However on the other hand, there’s the dreaded phone call. Now for me, a phone call is a nightmare whether I’m answering it or even worse… making it. Usually the only people I’m actually okay with calling are my granny and my parents, truly even my brother is just a disaster. But what grates me, the worst nightmare, calling to make an appointment. It seriously doesn’t matter if its for a restaurant (5/10 fear) or the dentist (11/10 fear). A few months ago I made a call to the hairdresser and I still have nightmares about that phone call.

Most people would simply pick up the phone, dial the number and recite the very easy script of “Hi my name is Gabi, I’d like to make an appointment”. Pretty plain and simple. Apparently not for me. I chose to veer about 10kms off script. Basically, we were on the way to Durban instead of Pretoria. So anyway, I picked up my phone, took a deep breath, struck that power stance and dialled the number that would haunt me for eternity.

The first tragedy struck when the very kind receptionist answered after 2 rings. I was still in the middle of preparations and not at all ready. Second, the line wasn’t clear, I was panicking, struggling to hear and it was not a great time for me. Then came the natural disaster. Let’s just say it went along the lines of:

Me: Hi how are you?

Receptionist: Good thank you and you?

Me: Nice to meet you.

I know. You’re probably cringing right now aren’t you? It probably feels like a million nails scratching a chalk board. Let’s just say that after this it was panic stations. The bomb had gone off and we were not ready for it.

I will never be making a phone call ever again.

RIP my dignity