[wantacker]

I can relate. I had a pretty significant stutter growing up. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I hated more than having to pick up the phone. I always made it a point to be as far away from the dreaded phone as I possibly could (just so that I wouldn't be expected to pick it up when I was nearer to it than everyone else) when inside the house. Once my little sister figured out that I had this weird speech impediment, she would run up to the phone every time she heard it ring. My parents wanted me to face my fears - they meant well - but man, what a horrifying experience that would be ! The ceremony I had to put on just to utter the word 'hello' still gives me nightmares. I've long since grown out of my stutter but talking over the phone still isn't something I look forward to.