10 'Acceptable' Reasons to Make a Phone Call in 2024

10 ‘Acceptable’ Reasons to Make a Phone Call in 2024

Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I do not. I regularly talk to 3 people on the phone… my Aunt Maryanne, my Aunt Renee, and my brother cousin Levi. They all live out of town and I’ll talk to them on the phone probably once a month. We text all the time, but a phone call? Once a month! They say mostly people under 35 don’t want to talk on the phone, but I know some older people like me who fit into that too.

With that in mind, here are the top 10 most acceptable reasons for a phone call in 2024, according to a new survey:

For a general chat to catch up. That’s like the people I just described, but they say it can be seen as common courtesy to text first. Agreed! My Aunt Renee is great at that. She just texted me over the weekend and said… hey, let’s catch up this weekend. We picked a time that worked for both of us and it was great. When someone calls me unannounced, I’m almost offended. Like, who do you think you are that I should stop what I’m doing (which is often nothing)… to talk to you right in this second?
To notify someone of a death. I’ll give you that one.

To show support when someone is going through a tough time. I like texting even for that because I can choose my words of comfort more carefully.
To wish them a happy birthday. Nope. Just text me please.
When you’re running late. Again, nope. Text is fine for that.
To book things like a hotel or restaurant reservation. Nope. Apps work just fine for that.
To share positive news, like… “we’re pregnant!” I think it depends on who it is. If it’s your parents, sure call em. Or better yet? Do it in person, but friends… distant family, you’re getting a text.
Calling in sick to work. Again. Disagree. Text is better. I don’t want to have to showcase my sick voice to my boss.
When you’re lost or trying to find someone… like if you’re out somewhere trying to meet up. Yes! I can see that, but sometimes it’s better to text because it’s too loud (like at a concert).
To share a negative health update. Again, it’s like the pregnancy thing. I think it depends on who it is.