Okay, but THIS.
My therapist only recently understood that when I said, “I don’t know how to make this phone call or make this appointment.” I very literally meant I didn’t know what to do. I can dial the phone, but what do I say EXACTLY? What questions are going to be asked? What do I need to have on hand? What if they ask me something I don’t know the answer to?
I’m one of those people that needs very specific and detailed instructions if I’m doing something for the first time.
Be patient with people. We all have our struggles. Sometimes it can make all the difference in the world knowing someone can spare a few minutes to care about you and walk you through something that’s hard for you.
HOW TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT ADULT CALL
FOR THE FIRST TIME
From an adult who has been doing this for about a decade now:
Remember that about 10% of any office’s weekly call volume is from people just like you who have never done this in their life.
The mass majority of people who run dentist offices, insurance claim call centers, whatever - remember what it’s like to be completely new, and are generally happy to explain the steps and re-phrase themselves if you let them know what you’re having trouble with, and are kind and patient with them.
You’re not inconveniencing them. You’re not burdening them. Call center folks are 1000x happier to speak with someone who is earnestly trying and needs some basic help on super simple things, instead of a pissy long-time customer who demands free shit.
You are a bright spot in their day. A chance to actually help.
So! Here’s the steps:
Keep reading
I can’t tell you how much I needed this.
I had to ring my car insurance yesterday, which I’ve never had to do before. It was terrifying. BUT when I explained to the call center person, including calling myself a useless adult who can’t adult, and they were very kind. It’s always worth saying “I’ve never done this before” because they’re usually a kind human (apart from P.B in my office, who I won’t name, but you get her on the phone and good lord, you’ll want to throw yourself out a window. I think she wants you to throw yourself out the window too) who will assist you however they can.
I have an anxiety disorder so im rebloging this
This you can also apply if you have a job that requires a lot of phoning but you never done it before.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with my fairly new co-worker, who has been assigned some extra things to do at his work place; and boy, the young man paced a marathon in the kitchenette, trying to put himself together just to make a phone call to another government institution. He’s never had to call important people’s secretaries and assistants and what nots before.
I spent an hour with him in the kitchenette, calming him down and explaining what to say when he actually picked up the phone and called. Also, all of the above.
The people at offices, especially the ones who have to field calls with everything else, remember/know what it’s like when you’re new or have anxiety. They will help you. Also don’t be afraid to ask your fellow co-workers, especially the older ones, for help. 99% of the time they will explain, several times if necessary, how to do this.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
As a front desk receptionist at an OBGYN and Pediatric office, I can attest to that helpful bit. I’d much rather talk to someone on the phone who isn’t sure how to schedule their annual exam or even know what an annual exam is than a person who doesn’t like the appointment slots I offer them and demand to speak to my practice manager. First and foremost if you’re not sure what to do or say I firmly agree pick up the phone, call and explain you’ve never done this before because as that person on the other end of the phone I’m going to do my very best to explain everything you need, right down to the intensely detailed instructions on how to get to the office. I can’t promise you’re going to get a patient (and also someone that’s going to make you laugh on this call at least once) receptionist but most of the time you will get someone that will genuinely want to help you through this small task that we’ve all been there and put off.
My goal is to put more kindness in this world because there was a time (several times, honestly) that I needed that kindness given to me and it was. Keep reaching out for help and help will be there.
