A Phone Call
I can name a list of physical and emotional reactions that I get when I have to call someone, especially in relation to getting something done:

-anxiety (obviously)
-fear/terror
-nausea
-butterflies
-feeling weak but not actually being weak (feeling like you could collapse but have no real reason that you can't stay standing)
-rapid heart rate or breathing depending on level of nervousness
-avoidance at all costs until the very last possible minute (and I mean "minute" literally)
-fretting
-fidgeting
-typing random posts on the subject when I should be on the phone
-dry throat/choked feeling (frog in throat, possible tears, etc)
-that physical embodiment of worry (heavy feeling in your heart)
-crying (depending on level of terror)
-inability to call with others in the house (witnesses?)
-and the manipulation of thoughts (convincing self that there are reasonable explanations to why you could put it off for another day, or why you just don't do it all, and how that is better for everyone)

*EDIT*

I forgot a few for when the call is taking place: holes in memory for simple questions or memory of what info you need to bring up, need to plan out conversation in written form beforehand to follow, talking too fast or too quiet (therefore needing to repeat yourself and draw out excruciating conversation), ( with the heart racing and such mentioned above), sweaty palms, nervous laughter... I think that's all...

*END EDIT*

These symptoms have no particular order, do not decrease in strength or occurrence with repeated exposure, and may appear AFTER the actual phone call has taken place. Actually, while the anticipation is bad, if it builds up enough the symptoms are more severe after the fact. They come in a rush of nerves so that you actually give in to the need to collapse, your heart pounding wildly and tears constricting your throat. Oddly, this happens with the same level of severity no matter if the call was negative or very positive.

Of course there are levels of variance. Not all of these symptoms show up or are very strong when calling certain people. It often depends on the task being completed; if there is no task then the pressure is merely one of social awkwardness and is much less severe.

I thought I would dictate all of this and that maybe writing about it would be therapeutic, or at least afford me some more wasted time.

That's all! :) (perhaps I will go pick up the phone now... perhaps not)

P.S. Pray you don't get an answering machine that you didn't prepare for in your written notes or you'll just have to hang up in panic and start the process of getting up the courage to try again all over from the beginning. Not cool. (Believe me, I'm laughing at myself right now, I've come to a point in my life where amusement is the best form of coping, keeps me happy and light hearted despite my shortcomings)

P.P.S. A piece of advice: Always forgive yourself for being you. Laughter and forgiveness are good grapple hooks if you feel yourself being pulled down into a spiral of dark moods. The fact that I can implement this, even though I've been up since 10am trying to make a phone call that I didn't succeed at until 3:30pm and is yet to be resolved, is a big step. Hating yourself only perpetuates more reasons to hate yourself. Okay, that's all I swear this time!