Most of the time, talking on the phone is an inconvenience. There are less intrusive ways to communicate when something isn’t urgent, and picking up the phone can feel like an obligation, wasting time on a conversation that didn’t immediately require your attention.
Calling your friend who only uses text
That’s why, with a few exceptions, you should try to text someone before you call them. Even if it seems like an indirect way to get someone’s attention, it will likely benefit your relationship with them in the long run.
Nothing screams “I demand that you make time for me” like an impromptu phone call. Even in this time of isolation, people are still busy, with a constant stream of digital notifications and Zoom meeting reminders vying for their attention. A phone call insinuates an immediate demand for someone else’s time; a text message pushes the ball forward a little bit, with a polite suggestion to talk more when you get the chance.
It’s true that people are glued to their mobile devices, but that doesn’t mean they’re primarily used for actual phone calls. An unexpected buzz in your pocket while you’re changing your baby’s diaper or trying to walk your dog only adds to the stress of everyday life. The busy person you’re trying to reach will likely want to send your call straight to voicemail.
