This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/19/mum-mothers-phone-call-telephone-whatsapp

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
For Mum and me, nothing beats a good old-fashioned phone call The maternal phone call is a lifeline – keep hold of it
(35 minutes later)
Next time you spot someone in public talking on their mobile, having what looks like the most emotionally engaged, life-affirming conversation possible in this age starved of human contact, chances are that they are on the phone to their mum.Next time you spot someone in public talking on their mobile, having what looks like the most emotionally engaged, life-affirming conversation possible in this age starved of human contact, chances are that they are on the phone to their mum.
It is no surprise to learn that women spend a third of call-time speaking to their mothers and men a fifth, taking up 48 hours and 24 hours a year respectively. As the old-fashioned phone conversation moves ever closer to extinction, the maternal catch-up surely won’t be resigned to history. Life wouldn’t be quite the same without it. It is no surprise to learn that women spend a third of call-time speaking to their mothers and men a fifth, taking up 48 hours and 24 hours a year respectively. As the old-fashioned phone conversation moves ever closer to extinction, the maternal catch-up surely won’t be consigned to history. Life wouldn’t be quite the same without it.
As for the time I accidentally rang in the early hours from Glastonbury festival – sorry again about that, MumAs for the time I accidentally rang in the early hours from Glastonbury festival – sorry again about that, Mum
While fathers (well mine) can be men of few words, and tend to call only when it’s urgent or has been a really long time, the average mother’s propensity for conversation is seemingly endless. And no one cares about your narrative more than your mum. The twists and turns of your career, the ins and outs of your relationship, every domestic trial and tribulation. Each minor development is akin to a breaking news story and they hang on every word. Or pretend to, anyway. They are a helpline/therapist/doctor/PA all in one.While fathers (well mine) can be men of few words, and tend to call only when it’s urgent or has been a really long time, the average mother’s propensity for conversation is seemingly endless. And no one cares about your narrative more than your mum. The twists and turns of your career, the ins and outs of your relationship, every domestic trial and tribulation. Each minor development is akin to a breaking news story and they hang on every word. Or pretend to, anyway. They are a helpline/therapist/doctor/PA all in one.
Types of phone call can vary for both parties. There is the general update, often on a Sunday night, exchanging “I must tell you about” tales of neighbours behaving badly, or weekend misadventures spun in a more positive light. There is the concerned pep talk, subtly hinting that perhaps this isn’t the best decision to be making, not that I’m interfering but, “I’m your mum”, as if you need reminding. There is the inopportunely timed call, raising a smile when a colleague answers their phone at the desk with a “Hi Mum, I’m at work”, as they often seem to forget this is how we fill our days. There is the urgent advice call, usually during a first aid emergency or a crucial moment while cooking. And of course the accidental call, like the time I rang mine in the early hours from Glastonbury festival – sorry again about that, Mum.Types of phone call can vary for both parties. There is the general update, often on a Sunday night, exchanging “I must tell you about” tales of neighbours behaving badly, or weekend misadventures spun in a more positive light. There is the concerned pep talk, subtly hinting that perhaps this isn’t the best decision to be making, not that I’m interfering but, “I’m your mum”, as if you need reminding. There is the inopportunely timed call, raising a smile when a colleague answers their phone at the desk with a “Hi Mum, I’m at work”, as they often seem to forget this is how we fill our days. There is the urgent advice call, usually during a first aid emergency or a crucial moment while cooking. And of course the accidental call, like the time I rang mine in the early hours from Glastonbury festival – sorry again about that, Mum.
I’m sure that my mum and I speak more than two days a year, probably more like two weeks. We live far enough away not to be able to see each other, and Mum’s not on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, so it is through our chats we can share a window into the everyday that otherwise would be missed. We discuss the mundane and the significant. We laugh, we cry. We hardly ever row.I’m sure that my mum and I speak more than two days a year, probably more like two weeks. We live far enough away not to be able to see each other, and Mum’s not on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, so it is through our chats we can share a window into the everyday that otherwise would be missed. We discuss the mundane and the significant. We laugh, we cry. We hardly ever row.
Related: Why I decided to stop being my daughter’s personal assistant | Noelia López-ChedaRelated: Why I decided to stop being my daughter’s personal assistant | Noelia López-Cheda
This may be the age of family WhatsApp groups – whether they consist of your closest relatives or the people who take on that role in your life – which are a joy in themselves, but nothing beats “Mum” flashing up on your phone. My mum and I have never Skyped or spoken on FaceTime, even when we’re on opposite sides of the world. I’m sure that time will come, but for now, at times of crisis or celebration, nothing beats hearing the sound of her voice.This may be the age of family WhatsApp groups – whether they consist of your closest relatives or the people who take on that role in your life – which are a joy in themselves, but nothing beats “Mum” flashing up on your phone. My mum and I have never Skyped or spoken on FaceTime, even when we’re on opposite sides of the world. I’m sure that time will come, but for now, at times of crisis or celebration, nothing beats hearing the sound of her voice.
Of course your phone relationship changes over time, as life does. When my grandma died, and Mum was not able to make that call any more, the nature of our conversations changed too, as I am sure it will if I have children of my own to ring. In recent years, as close friends have lost their mothers or relationships have disintegrated, it has made me even more grateful to know that mine is on the other end of a phone line.Of course your phone relationship changes over time, as life does. When my grandma died, and Mum was not able to make that call any more, the nature of our conversations changed too, as I am sure it will if I have children of my own to ring. In recent years, as close friends have lost their mothers or relationships have disintegrated, it has made me even more grateful to know that mine is on the other end of a phone line.
So make the most of phoning the mother figure in your life and the comfort that chatting to them can bring. But also channel your inner mother and pick up the phone to those among us who aren’t so lucky. You’ve probably had plenty of practice.So make the most of phoning the mother figure in your life and the comfort that chatting to them can bring. But also channel your inner mother and pick up the phone to those among us who aren’t so lucky. You’ve probably had plenty of practice.