Do You Call Friends Without Texting First?

Yes, with close friends, we just call. I don’t mind if my friends call me directly because I keep my phone on silent if I’m in a meeting or taking an exam, so I can always call them back. With close friends—let’s say three or four people—they are like family, and it’s okay to call when we know they are usually free. However, if I know they are definitely at work, I might text first.

 

I prefer texting first to ask if I can call. They do the same most of the time, but few times I have seen them calling me without a text. If I am busy I will not pick up but send a msg to say I will call later for so and so reason. They don't mind.

 

If I just need to inform something or share, I mostly message!
When I need to talk, share thoughts and emotions, or discuss something, it is direct call!
When I need some advice or help or brainstorming, I message them, tell them I need 30 minutes or 1 hour of their time and let me know their convenient time.
I mostly know their schedules ... Some like to talk on their way from home to office, so that gives me a good hour of their time (they have a driver)
With my brothers, sister I just let them know early morning - "I need to talk - let me know when, but I am busy after 3", so that whenever they get time, they can call!
When people call me and I cant talk, I always whatsapp (unless I'm at a physical meeting) and let them know what time I can talk to them...

 

The other day I was quite disturbed!

I had planned to wear a nice half saree (south indian style) for the memorial function of a well renowned late scholar who had considered me his granddaughter and whose family I had been close with since childhood!
His protegees included a current Chief Minister and a former Vice President who were also supposed to attend and share their memories of him !

And my well meaning (but very traditional) 'local' friend said - "Hey it is not your son's birthday party, there will be other scholars who are his students!! Wear a silk saree and look your age"
I said - "But everyone knows me since childhood - in their eyes, I am still their nieces's childhood best friend and the others who dont know me will not care anyway!!"
She said - "Yes, but your son is a head taller than you, you must look mature, it is a serious function with book release and speeches from his famous protegees"

I was very disturbed...

I knew exactly who to call to remove this confusion from my head... I didnt hesitate... this is dinner time? Kids must be studying? She might be working on a deadline? No second thoughts, just direct call!
I called my youngest brother's wife! Being on the other side of 40s, we are all completely involved in our own busy lives, office commitments, health issues and both elders and teenagers at home! The last time I called her on phone was probably a year or so back!
We only chat using messages or when we meet directly!
No hellos or how're the parents? Or kids? !!!
Trrrinngg... Trrrinnggg
She - 'Hi Vadina (Sis-in-law)'
Me - "Are you busy?"
She - "No... just winding down for the night! Tell me!"
Me - "My 'local' friend said that I cannot wear my blue-pink half saree for the function"
She - "Come on!! She is just jealous that you look younger than her! Relax and wear it, you are going to rock"
Me - "But she said I need to wear a silk saree since it is a memorial and for a scholar, it is a serious event"
She - "Yes, it is serious for all the scholars and his protegees... We are family! Everyone there still sees you as a 12 year old. Anyway the half-saree is very beautiful and you carry it very well"
Me - "Thank you, I knew you could convince me"
She - "Yes ! And wear some long earrings! Dont listen to your friend, she doesnt know! And you always look good in both half-sarees and sarees!"
Me - "thanx! bye, need to pack"

Sometimes girl talk is just pep talk that you need when the world confuses you and shakes your confidence!! For that, you cannot wait for messages and 'convenient time'!!

Keep smiling
HR

 

I prefer to text. But most of the times my friends call me directly, whichever I dint mind. If I can't attend the call, I'll text them back and return the call when I am free. No big deal

 

No, we always arrange via text/WhatsApp first. Even my parents have started doing this!

 

Just like to add this - My dad won't call his close friends of his age during post lunchtime saying they might be taking a nap, and he didn't want to disturb it. I will be like . But I text and msg & call my friends any time of the day. I think it's basically one's own and friend's comfort and the level of emergency as well