I’m not normally the type to spread such memes as the Friday Five, but this week’s questions relate to a subject about which I’m quite frequently found griping:

1. Do you like talking on the phone? Why or why not?
Not really. I’m a horrible listener, especially given the distortion that a cheap telephone speaker provides (yes, there’s even a neurological reason for it). On top of that, I’m not exactly the greatest at speaking my thoughts either; I’m quite eloquent in writing, but my speech is typically littered with pauses, hesitations, and all the typical signs of shyness.

2. Who is the last person you talked to on the phone?
If I recall, it was my dad telling me he was ready to drive me back home for spring break. I told you I don’t talk on the phone much…

3. About how many telephones do you have at home?
Four at my actual house, generally answered by the parents; only one in my second home, better known as my dorm room, and it’s generally answered by the voice-mail service.

4. Have you encountered anyone who has really bad phone manners? What happened?
Well, I’ve been told by a number of people that my own phone manners are rather lacking. Nice way to build one’s self esteem, eh? <g> And if you’re talking about other people, I’d nominate any telemarketer who doesn’t understand the meaning of “I’m not interested” and who acts as if not wanting a credit card is some act of blasphemy.

5. Would you rather pick up the phone and call someone or write them an e-mail or a letter? Why or why not?
E-mail, by far. It’s pretty much instant, just like a phone call; yet at the same time, it gives me the opportunity to express myself in writing, to edit my words before I send it, and in general, to not come off looking like a fool.