Calling SIL and her phone greeting irks me, is it rude? Or just me?

[Anonymous]

Whenever I call my SIL, which is probably once every 2-3 weeks if that and always for a reason, she answers the phone "hello, what's up Larla?" Or no hello and just "what do you need?" We don't chat for no reason so I'm calling with a time for plans or to go over a menu. Im not calling for coffee talk but I instantly start every conversation with that greeting on the defensive and feel like I have to quickly explain why I dare interrupt her busy day. Is this rude or is it just me? I'm about ready to just stop calling.

[Anonymous]

There's a big difference between "What's up?" and "What do you need?"

Are you calling her while she's at work? Is there more to the story - why would you be calling her to go over a menu?

I wouldn't take it personally, I think you're over-reacting.

[Anonymous]

every 2-3 weeks is a lot of phone calls to your SIL unless you guys live together, she takes care of your kids or whatever. She is probably thinking you call too much. Why not just text her?

[Anonymous]

That seems to be the way people answer their phone these days. It's annoying, but don't take it personally.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is rude. Stop calling her and if she asks why, tell her.

[Anonymous]

I think answering the phone by saying what do you need it really rude! People are doing that these days?

What's up on the other hand is like saying how are you and that's fine to do

[Anonymous]

She's just efficient. She is probably happy to hear from you but likes to get to the point. It's only rude if you let it be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it is rude. Stop calling her and if she asks why, tell her.

Ha! That'll show her!

[Anonymous]

You prefer "what do you need" to "what's up"? The former is way more rude.

My father says "What's up?" when I call. I think it's funny.

[Anonymous]

Why aren't you just texting her? I hate when people call to ask about plans and it catches me off guard. It's better when they text and I can look at the calendar.

[Anonymous]

As others have said, "What's up Larla" is a little unusual but not that weird in the age of ubiquitous caller ID. "What do you want?" is rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:every 2-3 weeks is a lot of phone calls to your SIL unless you guys live together, she takes care of your kids or whatever. She is probably thinking you call too much. Why not just text her?

WTF?

[Anonymous]

I think both are rude. It feels as if you have interrupted her very busy day and that she wants to dispense with the phone call quickly.

In the future, I'd text her or email her. Don't call. I would be upset by such an abrupt response. I am very busy, but I never respond that way when someone calls me. I don't like to be rude to people. If I am really busy, I don't answer the phone, and I call back when I have time to respond.

That's one reason I love email and texting -- I really hate talking on the phone, and I loathe those awkward interruptions. But I'd never be rude when someone calls me, even my SIL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:every 2-3 weeks is a lot of phone calls to your SIL unless you guys live together, she takes care of your kids or whatever. She is probably thinking you call too much. Why not just text her?

WTF?

I guess the PP has NO relationship with her SIL??

I think 2-3 weeks is rather infrequent. If you live nearby, have kids the same age, get together for birthdays and holidays, then that sounds like not very much contact. If you called every 2-3 days, that might be a lot. Perhaps PP misread the post??

Agree, though. Texting/emailing is better.

[Anonymous]

I prefer the old standby "talk to me!"

I do think "what do you need" is very rude, and "what's up" is a casual greeting for someone on friendly terms.

Do you get along otherwise? If feelings aren't warm between you, I'd stop calling and communicate through email or text.