My (Silent Generation) mother made me (Gen X) make ALL the calls starting when I was 10 years old. Want a pizza? I call. Need home heating oil? I call. It was terrifying at first but I got over it fairly quick. Consequently I've never understood the fear my step kids (Late stage Gen X and Millennial) or their SOs this terror of picking up the phone and talking to a stranger.

What is the fear?

RING! RING!

A> "Thank you for calling Dr. Doctor's office. How may I help you?"

B> "Hello, yes I'd like to make an appointment?"

A> "You what?? You fucking loser I am going to hunt your down and kill you!"

B> "What?"

Is this what you expect to happen?