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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

People who only use the landline

130 replies

DorothyL · 26/04/2016 21:16

Aibu this is ever so slightly tedious? In the evening I'm shattered and want to make arrangements via text/message, but some people just don't respond to any communication other than a phone call.

OP posts:
gingerdad · 26/04/2016 21:19

Live up here and you've no choice.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 21:20

Where's here?

OP posts:
SparklesandBangs · 26/04/2016 21:21

If they did this to me it would be a very one sided conversation. My DP still call me on my landline sometimes, but usually communicate by email or text or mobile.

I never give out my landline as I am rarely home. If someone voice calls my mobile and I feel like it I will answer, otherwise I'll leave it and text back.

Even at work I have taken to instant messaging colleagues even those on the same floor.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 26/04/2016 21:22

What is even more tedious is the tiny handful of companies that insist on a landline number before they will deal with you. I have no idea what our landline number is, we have one for the alarm system, but there is no telephone attached or anything :(

pinkstinks · 26/04/2016 21:24

The only people that use my landline are ppi and grandparents. Costs more to have the Internet without the line rental though...
Also we had a huge bill for ours it costs so much I had assumed free calls after six but only I. The weeke apparently! Nightmare!

DrDreReturns · 26/04/2016 21:25

I find calling people on mobiles annoying - the signal breaks up a lot and you can't always hear what they are saying. If I am at home I always use the landline.

CalonGoch · 26/04/2016 21:25

I live in the middle of nowhere. I get no mobile reception at all in my house for most of the day, so texting is a total waste of time. My parents are the same, in a different middle of nowhere at the other end of the country. It's actually pretty restful.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 21:26

Currently making arrangements for a meet up next week, would it be petty not to bother phoning as people can check their blooming messages if they want to come?

OP posts:
NicknameUsed · 26/04/2016 21:26

Loads of reasons:

  1. Lack of signal
  2. Not everyone is welded to their mobile phones. I can hear the house phone from everywhere in the house, but can only hear my phone if I have it with me.
  3. Older generations who don't have mobiles don't want to pay more to ring a mobile
  4. Poor sound quality on a mobile
  5. Some people are still on PAYG on their mobiles

YABU. If you don't want people to ring your landline get rid of it, or unplug your phone.

NicknameUsed · 26/04/2016 21:28

"would it be petty not to bother phoning as people can check their blooming messages if they want to come?"

It depends on how much you want an instant reply doesn't it. I don't check my phone all the time. I often don't look at it until the next day.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 21:28

There is currently a whatsapp discussion going on. Said person has posted on it before but has not checked back for days. Arrangements are changing, and I feel I shouldn't have to chase.

OP posts:
Hopelass · 26/04/2016 21:46

MIL is the only person who ever phones our landline that's why I never answer it Wink

QueenofLouisiana · 26/04/2016 21:51

My phone has no signal st the moment- as usual. I don't live in the middle of no-where, but the reception is crap around here. I rely totally on a landline.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 21:53

But if you have a landline you probably have wifi don't you?

OP posts:
AppleSetsSail · 26/04/2016 21:54

Can't you email?

I can appreciate your not wanting to have a phone conversation about logistical details, but likewise I can appreciate not wanting to be tethered to a device.

scaryteacher · 26/04/2016 21:58

People who are glued to their mobiles are tedious. I frequently can't remember where my mobile is, and it is often not charged. If people want me they can call the landline, as it has an answer phone, and I do pick up messages from there. My mobile is for my convenience, not that of the rest of the world.

NicknameUsed · 26/04/2016 22:03

"But if you have a landline you probably have wifi don't you?"

Yes, but my mobile is in my handbag upstairs.

If you need an instant answer you talk to someone. If you don't you send a message. Simple really.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 22:05

If I knew I could speak to the answerphone I wouldn't mind. I just don't want to be made to have a conversation.

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 26/04/2016 22:06

Even at work I have taken to instant messaging colleagues even those on the same floor

I'd absolutely hate working in that sort of environment. Obviously I'll email people who are on different sites but I'd find it depressing to message someone at work who's working right near me.

AppleSetsSail · 26/04/2016 22:06

People who are glued to their mobiles are tedious. I frequently can't remember where my mobile is, and it is often not charged. If people want me they can call the landline, as it has an answer phone, and I do pick up messages from there. My mobile is for my convenience, not that of the rest of the world.

Agreed.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 22:06

I don't need an instant answer but some time within 24 hours?

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 26/04/2016 22:08

Well if you picked up a phone and talked directly to people you'd have an instant answer.

Original poster
DorothyL · 26/04/2016 22:10

But I don't want to have to make conversation.

OP posts:
AppleSetsSail · 26/04/2016 22:11

Send an email. If they don't pick it up in time, it's their problem.

ilovesooty · 26/04/2016 22:13

Yes you said that.

It seems to be a relatively recent phenomenon that people just won't talk to people over the phone even if they know them well.

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