All Phone Calls Are Not Created Equal
People like to talk on the phone. Whether it’s toll-free, pay-by-the-minute, or a chat with a buddy, there’s something about holding that receiver to your ear that seems to get people off.
Some people like the phone more than others. Take my better half for instance. To her, the phone is a lifeline; A portal to the universe. I, on the other hand, will opt for Internet-based communications. I think we’re all in agreement that nothing beats face-to-face interaction, but when that’s not a feasible option, measures controlled by technology will have to do.
My biggest issue with the phone is how so many people use it to fill voids; empty spaces that really don’t need any filling.
I first became aware of this the first year I live with my wife. After several weeks a trend emerged. I was able to, with alarming accuracy, predict who was calling without looking at the Caller ID. While I’d like to impress you with my soothsaying abilities, it really just boiled down to learning other people’s routines.
Meghan at 5:30
Jennifer at 6:00
Lauren at 6:30
Beth at 7 and 9
etc.
During the week, the same cast of characters would call at the same time. After a while, it made perfect sense.
Meghan at 5:30 (in the car driving home from work)
Jennifer at 6:00 (just got in)
Lauren at 6:30 (fresh off the train, waiting for the bus)
Beth at 7 and 9 (after dinner; baby asleep for night)
In my world, a phone call is only necessary when there is something to say. A simple “hi” is fine, but a play-by-play recap of a generic day does not rate. But I’m a dude, and that might play help explain why I feel the way I feel. I have a hunch my wife and her friends would disagree.
If calling someone becomes part of your daily activities, can the quality really be there? And more importantly, do these ‘scheduled’ calls carry the same weight as a ‘just because’ call? I think not. What say you?
Click.
What do you think?