Poll 2 - Email and phone calls are both subject to spam. But, email leaves behind tangible evidence that yes, someone cares enough to contact. That is, if one considers electronic format a physical touch.
Poll 1 - Social Obligation. On the one hand, 'Miss manners' might suggest you do the 'proper thing' and conform to peer pressure and fulfill the expectations. But, one's unease is transmitted through the contact and might be interpreted by the receiver as hatred. So, it really depends on how well you know the person. Would they be willing to receive an alternative method of communication from you? Or would they be just as 'who-is-this?' 'why are you calling?' as they try to put a face to the name/voice? On the one hand, some people LIKE getting phone calls because that means they can hear the voice, in real time, and just talk/chat. It could be their way of being friends long-distant. Not always the best way to remain in contact, or be reminded that they are loved and remembered. On the other hand, there are only so many hours in the day, and time is always precious.
So, my advice - the closer you are as friends, try to call. If it helps to prepare a script before hand, and have a list of questions/possible responses, go for it. For family and relatives you've never met? Email might be acceptable - but again, it depends on their personality (which you DON'T know - and for this, the scripted 'hi my name is' might be the best way to get through the introduction).
As for other social obligations beyond telephone verses email -- whatever is MOST COMFORTABLE for you BOTH. Or whichever method has more meaning for the reciever.
But, email leaves behind tangible evidence that yes, someone cares enough to contact. That is, if one considers electronic format a physical touch.
Poll 1 - Social Obligation.
On the one hand, 'Miss manners' might suggest you do the 'proper thing' and conform to peer pressure and fulfill the expectations.
But, one's unease is transmitted through the contact and might be interpreted by the receiver as hatred.
So, it really depends on how well you know the person. Would they be willing to receive an alternative method of communication from you? Or would they be just as 'who-is-this?' 'why are you calling?' as they try to put a face to the name/voice?
On the one hand, some people LIKE getting phone calls because that means they can hear the voice, in real time, and just talk/chat. It could be their way of being friends long-distant. Not always the best way to remain in contact, or be reminded that they are loved and remembered.
On the other hand, there are only so many hours in the day, and time is always precious.
So, my advice - the closer you are as friends, try to call. If it helps to prepare a script before hand, and have a list of questions/possible responses, go for it.
For family and relatives you've never met? Email might be acceptable - but again, it depends on their personality (which you DON'T know - and for this, the scripted 'hi my name is' might be the best way to get through the introduction).
As for other social obligations beyond telephone verses email -- whatever is MOST COMFORTABLE for you BOTH. Or whichever method has more meaning for the reciever.
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