Most of the time, talking on the phone is an inconvenience. There are less intrusive ways to communicate if something is not urgent, and picking up the phone maybe sense as an obligation, devoting time to a conversation that didn’t need your attention right away.
That’why – except for some exceptions – you should try sending a text before calling someone on the phone. Even if it seems an indirect way to get someone’s attention, your relationship with them will probably help long-term.
Sounding out of the blue can feel pushy
Nothing screams “I’m asking you to take my time,” like an impromptu phone call. Even in this time of isolation, people are still busy, with a steady stream of digital notifications and Zoom meeting reminders competing for their attention. A phone call insinuates an immediate request for another person’s time; a text message pushes the ball just a little, using a polite suggestion to talk more when you receive chance.
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True, people are connected 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 change your baby’s diapers or trying to straighten your dog for a walk only adds to the stress of everyday life. Tthe busy person you are trying to reach will probably want to send the call directly to voicemail.
People forget to return calls
This is also true for text messages, but a phone call feels much more temporary and therefore likely to escape someone’s memory. A text or an e-mail, at least, has a longer lifespan. If it is initially ignored, it remains in the inbox as an easy reminder of what is on the 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 some point.
It may not be a good thing, but the comfort of personal technology has made everyone more lazy. Time is of the essence in every aspect of life, so reading a text and typing an answer – even if it’s a bit late – sounds like a much simpler proposition compared to a call.
You want someone to have time
Even if your voice is filtered through a speakerphone, a phone call can facilitate some deeper ones interactions that require more attention from the person you are calling. Getting a phone call probably requires more attention than talking to someone in person – there are no clues or common visual experience to come together. From the caller’s perspective, you do a service by humming someone without prior notice.
If you need someone’s full attention, sending a text is a less intrusive way to let them know. Especially if you have to discuss something personal or important, you can’t expect someone to have time to give up everything and focus on your needs. Although it would be nice, we can’tI’m so lucky.
There are exceptions
Obviously, there are times when a phone call is justified due to unforeseen and extreme circumstances. For example, if you have to broadcast some tragic news, it may be worth a call, given that you want 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 those who enter into a a small list of people who are allowed to turn to anyone time. These are the people closest to you, which you find extremely difficult to bother. Moreover, understand that these people will understand if you are not immediately available to speak, because you already have such a strong connection.
But these people are few, and in any case, they might send you text messages to schedule a conversation for later.