If you know me, you know how annoying my cell phone situation is. I have somewhat of a reputation for not answering my phone. Let's discuss this. First of all, I see my cell phone as a convenience for me. I've never been one to carry it around and jump when it rings and answer it at all costs. I like to have it so I can get the job done (whatever the job might be) but I do not like to just shoot the breeze. I dont like to be on the phone for longer than like 5 minutes at a time. I think 5 minutes is totally sufficient to communicate messages and take care of business. Anything beyond that tends to get fluffy and unnecessary, in my opinion. I'll admit that I'm also a screener. I dont screen because I dont want to talk to YOU; I screen because I dont want to talk on the phone at that moment. I choose to call you or text you back at a more convenient moment. (Am I losing friends as I type this?!) And then there's the issue of my cell phone always being broken... or lost.
So I'm genuinely curious if I'm alone in all of this. Am I the only one with these phone issues?How do other mothers keep their phones with them, and out of their child's drooly mouth, at all times? How do you answer and carry on a conversation when your 3 year old is talking your ear off and your baby is pulling on your pant leg to be picked up? I'm serious here. Give me your wisdom.
16 comments:
I'm totally with you. I'm not a phone talker. 5 minutes is almost too long for me. Unless it's my mom. For some reason I can talk to her for a long time.
Um, i got no kids as an excuse...but i just sometimes don't take my phone to school, that means from 8 to about 11 pm i don't got it. But for me, no one really calls, if i am into a dude, and i think he might call then i will take it. Everyone else has to wait. Plus sometimes i will call 5 or 6 friends when i get into the mood to just shoot the breeze. sometimes no one will ever answer. so they must be doing the same thing that we both do....either not take the phone like me, or just not pick it up like you. Either way, its nothing to lose friends over. no worries.
i screen and don't answer my phone. Even for family. Especially while pregnant. I'd rather e-mail because my kids scream when I'm on the phone. My sister that lives out of state (across the whole country) calls all the time to shoot the breeze. I wondered how she had the time and I think that she calls every day (almost) when her little one is napping-that must be when she is bored. I'm totally not a phone person. Every once in a while I call Julz to catch up, but that is every few months. I DID NOT EVEN KNOW SHE HAD THE NEW BABY... I did not get the mass e-mail. And I would say she is one of my very best friends in the whole world.
I didn't have one with little kids, and I put off getting one until I needed it for my business. Now, however, I couldn't stand to not have it with me. I think it is a phase thing. When your kids are older you want to be accessible. Also, for particular projects ie. the triathlon. It is essential.
I'm so with you! I can't talk on the phone with little kids. I stopped returning calls to a few people and I admit, I'm not as close to those friends as I used to be. (But I'm not as irritated by them either. Horrible to admit!) Anyway... just wanted you to know... I'm totally there with you!
Amen!
I almost never answer my phone, and listening to messages gives me a stomache ache, so I'm bad about that too. Cell phones are there to serve us, and if answering when you are pottying your kid or in the middle of chasing him while he chases the cat? Well, it ain't getting answered. Did I say you? I meant me.
If you ask Trae or anyone else that knows me they will say, "Stacy never answers her phone." I too find it impossible to talk as Parker is screaming that he wants to talk on the phone. So yes I don't answer and I return calls sometimes a week late. You won't lose your real friends we understand completely!
I screen for the same reasons. And I don't like to have long conversations with anyone other than immediate family (I can talk to my mom for an hour no problemo, everyone else, 10 minutes max). And I can never keep it out of Finn's little grubby paws. :) So I gave in and just opted to download some of the toddler games for my iPhone. I think he uses it more than me!
You told me this 3 years ago when I met you. I will be honest. I am very scared to call you because I might go over the 5 minute mark.
crap jill, i posted a comment under my sister (heather)... she must have been logged in on the computer while we were up at the cabin over the weekend!. She is not the sister that calls... she likes to do skype. I'm trying to do that- she wants to do it once a week- which is not too much to ask..this one lives in KOREA.
Oh and I NEVER GET THE FANCY PHONES. Nate is getting a blackberry for his next phone. I get the free ones and keep my old one for when the new one breaks... Right now I have a ghetotastic one that I am using until we get new phones this summer!!!
I don't have the kid issue, but I absolutely hate talking on the phone. I hate not being able to read people's facial expressions as I'm talking to them. So I screen phone calls A LOT, even family. I just have other things I'd rather be doing than talking on the phone. I do however take my phone with me wherever I go. I like to know that I can call someone if I need to at any time. And I've never had an issue with it getting lost or broken (probably because I don't have the kid issue).
You sound so much like Grandma Udall....all business and no fluff. I have to say I might be the only one who doesn't feel this way. But I totally respect all who do. I understand the kids thing and at my conveniance thing. But I always wonder if there is something somone might need from me beyond them just calling to ask a question and I never want to let someone down. What if they just need to talk or hear a friendly voice or adult conversation? I guess I am wierd.
But it really is ok either way. I have known this about you for along time.
It's all good....
I have no kids, so my opinion is biased. But I do hate it when I have a quick question for you and you don't answer your phone. :) Love you though!
I do have my phone with me most the time, only cuz i know how annoying it is for other people when they try to call and get no answer... i'm just unselfish that way! ;) kidding. I am with you tho on the 5 min thing. I just like to take care of business. My worst thing is talking to my mom and I get ready to get off and she's like "oh so what else" and i'm like "nothing else, that's why i'm trying to wrap it up" Still I do have my phone with me, which means it has become ivans fav play toy. Oh well...
Nope you're right- my phone is for my convienience! I will answer if I want to talk, or call or e-mail you back later! I don't expect anyone except 911 to answer immediately!
A freaking men! I only read your first paragraph, but that's how I was when I had a cell...it was a convience when I needed it, but I never answered it. Then finally I put it under my bed and let it die...meanwhile paying another year worth of service...finally ended last year and I'm cell free. COuldn't be happier, but I do take Jase's when I go to Flag or anywhere by myself really. I HATE PHONES!
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