Do you remember the days when phones were just phones?
Did you ever have to “wait in line” for the one phone line at home?
When you were a teenager, maybe you use the phone upstairs, and the cord would get twisted while you had to make sure your younger sister wasn’t listening in on the downstairs line… ah those were the days.
I guess I’m dating myself here! But today I spent time on the phone with a few friends who called me. It was delightful to talk with them, not to bother with email, but to have actual conversations. We did not need any fancy software to talk, and hearing their voices really helped me feel connected.
We had time to talk, and we spoke about the different experiences we’d had since this virus situation started becoming part of the public health recommendations for self-quarantine.
I also had time to talk with my sister on the phone. She’s an R.N. and she’s making preparations in case she needs to self-quarantine after she treats sick patients in the hospital. Our parents are in their 70’s and she is thinking in advance about how to protect them by keeping her distance, though their county has not reported any cases yet.
There is a lost art to a good phone conversation. I prefer phone calls to video calls. I find that I take notice of the tone of voice more, and get less distracted by seeing my image (or someone else’s image) on a video screen. I am actually enjoying this part of our self-enforced exile. I find that when I focus on my gratitude, there is less room for fear and anxiety.
What helps you stay calm in the midst of uncertainty? Have you tried talking with friends on the phone lately?
cristy@meximinnesotana.com
mexi minnesotana 
Yes, I had a phone like that. I remember wondering if ears were listening from the other phone in the house sometimes. 🙂
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My situation is different, due to my deafness and cochlear implants.
Phone calls are harder for me, but I’m still doing them. Checking in with family members.
Lots of texting for me.
I am 66! So yes, I grew up with one phone then 2 in the house!
Lol
When I started teaching, there was one phone in the teacher’s lounge!
xo
Wendy
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So glad that texting and other technology is available to make the connections easier! We all need to use what is available to us. I appreciate your comment.
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I’ve been calling many of my family members and checking on them and it has been nice. I remember back in the day we had what you’d call a party line. The concept was you and a few of your neighbors actually shared the same line. So you’d pick up the phone at your house and it was very possible there’d be a conversation already going on. Good times : )
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Awesome. I never got to take advantage of the party line but it sounds fun!
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I remember party lines! As recently as the early 90’s when my mother moved into a new (to her) place in rural northern ontario she had one – it was a great way to get to know the neighbours… 😂
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Thinking that wouldn’t be such a bad idea for building community now… there’s Zoom which does something similar but not quite as simple. Nice!
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I STILL use my phone just for talking and do stay connected that way. My small writing critique group is staying connected through email so we can continue to give feedback on members’ works.
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Nice! Glad you can stay connected!
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I put soft music and read. Keeps me grounded, although I do stay informed. And when I shop, when few items are left I always keep in mind “leave for others.” So I only take one or two depending on what it is.
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Wonderful strategy. Thanks for sharing!
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