My car needed an oil change. I looked at my phone, willing it to make the appointment for me. How difficult is it to pick it up, dial the number, go through the motions? It’s not very hard, but, just the idea of speaking to a stranger on the phone brought on unwanted anxiety.

I took a moment to compose myself. “You can do this, just pick up the phone and dial the number.” My little pep talk to myself.

I punched the numbers into the phone as quickly as I could, trying to keep them straight and not mix them up as I sometimes do. It rang, the automated voice came on. Following the prompts I reached the servicing department, “Services, how can I help you?”

Once the appointment was made, I ended the call, put the phone down and let out the breathe that I was holding, finally relaxing.

I noticed my anxiety and wondered, why. Why, after all these years, do I still not want to talk on the phone? Why is it so hard to talk to a stranger, even if it’s to make an appointment? I don’t know the answer, but it’s something to think about.