Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Does anyone else get tongue tied talking to builders

5 replies

Bagadverts · 04/12/2018 19:36

Just trying to sort out some work on the bathroom room. Builder is really nice but there are some issues. I have autism and when I phone I feel persuaded to do or accept things. Today have texted but now had to text again to check if they got the message. I need to screw up my courage to call builder if she doesn't respond soon.

Please make me feel better by saying I'm not the only one (including those you without autism) or let me know your top tips.

OP posts:
TheFogsGettingThicker · 04/12/2018 22:14

You are not the only one.

Sometimes, well, mostly, I struggle to actually make a call in the first place. I then sound an incompetent stammering fool. I avoid making calls to anyone, even family.

It's probably best to write out what you want to say, although I can't say it helps in my case (I am usually hearing myself and loathing what an idiot I sound Sad

aurynne · 04/12/2018 23:20

Me too! It is autism-related. Also with builders, and because English is not my first language and I have no knowledge about building, I often use the incorrect term for something and no one seems to understand what I'm talking about even though, for me, it is clear what I'm talking about, I'm just describing something in a different way. For instance: I lost patience trying to explain to a plumber that I needed to replace "the metal thing in the shower that you lift and turn for the water to go hot or cold". He had no idea what I was talking about. I ended up hanging the phone down because I was so frustrated I just could not continue the conversation. Then went to google and found our they are called a "mixer". But honestly, is my description so impossible to understand for someone who works with those metal things every fucking day, or do they do it to embarrass us because we don't know the technical name? For fucks sake, what other metal thing is there in a shower that you lift and turn to make the water go hot or cold???

HarrySnotter · 05/12/2018 06:24

It is autism-related.

Not always. I can't bear making phone calls and often get myself in a right state about it.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

WhyAmISoCold · 05/12/2018 11:15

I have aspergers and struggle to talk to unknown people until I get to know them more. I have builders in at the moment but I had them in before to do my kitchen and they've been here for over 5 weeks and I really like them so I'm ok with them now. Previously I had a plumber in to do the bathroom and I really didn't like him and avoided him as much as possible. The ones I have now don't make me feel massively uncomfortable and the lead one is very good at reading me and knowing what I want, he will also make suggestions which I find helpful.

I still feel awkward going for a wee or eating so I tend to wait until they are out for a break. Problem is they are now going out the back which is directly below my bathroom so I don't want to wee if I can help it.

ernjas · 05/12/2018 11:46

I'm the same - can't bear making phone calls.
Actually putting off today making an important phone call. I messaged a few days ago with no reply and now have no choice but to call. Always end up not knowing what to say and getting over stressed!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page