Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Topic started by: JaykeV on January 19, 2012, 07:44:25 PM

Title: Talking on the Phone
Post by: JaykeV on January 19, 2012, 07:44:25 PM
Pre-T I was terrified of using the phone, even had somewhat of a phone phobia. I avoided it at all costs, and got serious anxiety every time I had to use the phone, once I even had a panic attack. Almost a year and a half on T and I pass over the phone. My mom was just talking to the phone company about a connection issue on speaker phone and when hearing my voice the guy started using male pronouns, so my mom just went along with it, even though she usually doesn't use them herself. To me this is really big because it's been a long time since I've been able to use the phone with confidence. Oh and pre-T, my sister said I sounded like DW from Arthur, lol. But yeah, just thought I'd share. This community needs more uplifting stories, since too much of the time we are always down with our dysphoria. Things get so much better with time though.
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: supremecatoverlord on January 19, 2012, 07:49:53 PM
Agreed.
Passing on the phone is awesome (once it happens).

:D
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: Anon on January 19, 2012, 08:17:03 PM
I've had the same experience - pre-T I absolutely refused to talk on the phone, even when I was at work or just with friends.
I still don't enjoy phone conversations, but it's not terrifying anymore.
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: Kreuzfidel on January 19, 2012, 08:55:12 PM
I'm just waiting for the day I pass on the phone. Just yesterday my wife was paying the receptionist at my GP's office and the lady assumed she was me (as I have a very female birthname) even though I was standing next to her.  Later the same lady called me to tell me I'd forgotten my referral and asked me three times "are you SURE this is -----?".  My wife has an Aussie accent and I don't.  I hate being ma'amed on the phone.  Even if they're calling for me as my unisex name, the minute they hear my voice, the ma'aming starts.
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: Natkat on January 20, 2012, 11:39:29 AM
I pass way better on the phone than IRL, people usunally say my voice is deeper in the phone I dont know why?
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: Robert Scott on January 20, 2012, 11:46:06 AM
I so hate the phone...I avoid it at all costs too!

I am hoping that my voice drops soon --- I have only been on T for a short time
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: Nygeel on January 20, 2012, 11:53:36 AM
I agree with it being awesome once it happens (and continues to happen).
Title: Re: Talking on the Phone
Post by: Kelly J. P. on January 20, 2012, 11:53:54 AM
 I also experience a fear of using phones - greatly diminished I will say, as my voice has become better, passable, and pretty, dare I say it,  but there is a certain irrational aspect to it that I can't place a finger on. Could it be a social thing, I wonder?

Hopefully the remaining miles in my transition will smooth that anxiety out, as it seems to have done with some of you... I can certainly answer a phone without problem, but the issue remains when I attempt to make a call.