Still exist. And if you are conveying a message that could get lost in an email or a text, it’s usually better to call.
The thing that’s stopping us is usually the reason we should call in the first place. Our excuses just reveal our tender points:
- It will be a bother (underlying thought: I don’t believe I matter)
- It will take too much time, I won’t be able to multitask (unspoken fear: if I slow down then I’ll have to face what I’m actually feeling…pain, hurt, anger, fear)
- I won’t be able to control the messaging/I might say the wrong thing (unrevealed belief: they will finally realize I’m not good enough)
- I won’t be able to get off the phone (unexpressed truth: I’m scared to actually reveal how I feel and/or share what I really want)
Everyone wants to matter. The only way through pain is through. Connection grows via mess and mistakes. And relationships are strengthened by expressing the truth. Pick up the phone.