Have you ever delayed booking a haircut simply because you dreaded making the phone call?

That used to be me. I’d glance at the salon’s number and think, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” just so I could avoid that quick but slightly uncomfortable conversation.

Eventually, I realized how often I do this with other appointments—doctor visits, parent-teacher meetings, even an oil change. I’m far more likely to use an online form or an app than pick up the phone.

You see, this tendency is more than mere convenience. In my experience, people who dodge phone calls for scheduling and stick to online booking often share a few telling traits.

Below, I’m going to unpack eight of the most common ones I’ve noticed.

1. They appreciate mental simplicity

Calling someone can feel like a small performance. There’s a greeting, a mini-script, and the slight risk of awkward silences.

Online booking is clean, straightforward, and free from the pressure to sound perky or polished.

I used to work in marketing and communications, and I’d be on the phone all day. When I got home, I craved simplicity. Filling out a quick online form seemed like the perfect way to avoid more chatter.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people experiencing stress in one area of life (such as a demanding job) are more likely to seek quick and efficient solutions for everyday tasks.

Online booking fits that bill. When the mind is already juggling multiple priorities, simplicity can feel like a gift.

2. They are conflict-averse

I’ve noticed that people who dislike making phone calls sometimes fear confrontation. Even if booking an appointment isn’t a debate, there’s still a tiny chance of dealing with a pushy salesperson or complicated questions.

My best friend rarely calls any business because she hates the possibility of having to say no to extra offers or packages. She’s not shy. She just doesn’t want to risk any social tension.

As Adam Grant once stated in his work on organizational psychology, “Many avoid conflict not out of weakness but because they value harmony.”

For some, online booking is a way to preserve a sense of calm and sidestep unwanted pressure.

3. They value clarity

One of the biggest perks of online booking is the digital paper trail. You have all the details right there: the date, time, location, and any extra instructions.

Over the years, I’ve found that people who prefer virtual scheduling feel more secure when everything is spelled out. They want to see their appointment details in black and white, which reduces mistakes.

Data from Harvard Business School suggests that individuals who rely on structured information (like confirmation emails) often experience lower levels of appointment-related anxiety.

They don’t have to worry about mishearing or misremembering.
Clarity keeps them in control.

4. They like having control over their schedule

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to call a place, only to be placed on hold. Or had to shuffle my entire day just to make the call before closing time.

Online booking puts the power back in the user’s hands. They can browse open slots at midnight or on a Sunday morning, no need to wait for office hours.

I remember feeling particularly grateful for this when my son was a toddler. His nap schedule changed almost weekly. Being able to book a dentist appointment at 10 p.m. after he was asleep felt like a lifesaver.

For parents—or anyone juggling multiple commitments—this sense of control is priceless.

5. They often prefer written communication

Some of us communicate better in writing than we do verbally. We like time to formulate our thoughts without the on-the-spot pressure of a phone call.

That’s me. Sure, I can speak up in meetings at work, but if there’s a written option—email, text, or an online form—I’ll take it. It gives me space to organize my ideas.

Let’s not overlook the possibility that many who prefer online booking are simply more comfortable typing than talking.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), social anxiety can manifest in mild forms, often showing up as a preference for written channels of communication.

It doesn’t make someone incapable of phone calls; it just means they feel more at ease with typed words.

6. They are efficient multitaskers

I know I’m not the only one who’s tried to book an appointment while making dinner or folding laundry. That’s a common scenario for single parents like me.

Online booking pairs beautifully with multitasking. No need to carve out a dedicated time slot for a phone call. You can fill out the appointment form between stirring spaghetti or in the middle of a quick work break.

Here’s a short list of everyday tasks people multitask with online booking:

• Checking email responses from coworkers.

• Supervising a child’s homework.

• Tracking monthly bills and budgeting.

• Planning weekend errands.

It’s not always about saving huge chunks of time. It’s about these micro-moments of efficiency that keep life flowing smoothly.

7. They prioritize emotional bandwidth

Phone calls can drain emotional energy. You have to be mentally present, maintain a pleasant tone, and react in real-time to another person’s voice.

For some, that extra effort isn’t worth it for a simple appointment. They might be managing stress at work, taking care of kids, or grappling with personal challenges.

I’ve been there. In the early days after my divorce, any interaction that felt slightly demanding wore me out. I preferred to conserve my emotional energy for my son or for the bigger conversations that truly mattered.

I remember reading from Mel Robbins that energy management is often overlooked but incredibly important. An online booking option can feel like a lifeline when you’re spread thin.

8. They embrace change and innovation

Online booking wasn’t always an option. But now it’s practically everywhere—restaurants, salons, clinics, even online grocery pickup times.

People who jump on these digital solutions usually show an openness to trying new tools. They aren’t stuck in “the way things have always been.” They like convenience, yes, but they’re also comfortable adapting to modern technology.

I don’t want to skip something crucial here. This trait often means they’re forward-thinkers in other areas of life too.

They might use apps for budgeting or scheduling daily meditations. They see technology as a companion that makes life more manageable.

Conclusion

If you’re someone who avoids phone calls in favor of online booking, hopefully you recognize a bit of yourself in these traits.

Maybe you value simplicity or perhaps you cherish the calm of conflict-free interactions. Either way, acknowledging these preferences is the first step to understanding your own behavior and using it to your advantage.

Each one of us gets to decide how we live, work, and schedule our time. We’re not obligated to follow someone else’s standard, nor do we have to justify our methods.

If an online booking system helps you stay calm and productive, then by all means—go for it.

I’m cheering you on.