Talk:phone phobia

oh my god I just thought that it was something wrong with me. something I couldnt explain to people. I work in a call centre and can talk to strangers no probs. But I cant ring family or friends. The longer I dont ring them, the worse it gets. They stop calling me as they dont think I want to continue the friendship with them. I have lost so many friends over this fear. I am 37 years old and I have only just realised that, I am not alone. When I am at home I dont answer my home phone or my mobile when they ring. Even when caller ID comes up and it is a friend or family member, it is very rare that I will answer it. Just the fear of not knowing what to say, there being lengthy gaps between conversation over the phone scares the hell out of me. I need some advise, can anyone help me?? Lisa