Child of generous parents wants to give back
I've lost count of the times I've explained why I don't talk on the phone -- only to be confronted by the words, "OK. What time will you be available to talk on the phone?"
I'm nearly to the point of saying "Hey, MORON, I can't hear on the f*****g phone!" I don't say it, but sure do think it.
I communicate exclusively via text message or email, but others refuse to accommodate me.
Am I handling this wrong?
-- Hard of Hearing
Dear Hard of Hearing: You can't hear, and it seems that others can't listen - or perhaps they are also having trouble hearing your responses.
Understand, too, that some people have not made the transition to texting and email. They will not understand or adopt your solutions.
You might have better luck if you phrase your responses differently: "I have severe hearing loss and can't talk on the phone. Are you willing to text or email?" Ending your statement with an "ask" tosses this to them.
Because you seem willing to use technology, I wonder if there is adaptive technology that will help to mitigate for your hearing loss in order to communicate more easily. You should look into it.
Dear Amy: "In a Quandary" described another parent as a "helicopter parent." I was relieved that you saw through this and noted that both parents were hovering!
-- A Fan
Dear Fan: I loved the idea of this seventh-grader handling his complicated school commute by himself. I hope his parents back off and let him.
========
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
