Apple Users

allegorical oracle

(6,317 posts) Wed Feb 4, 2026, 05:05 PM 8 hrs ago

Am totally discouraged. Got the thrill of my life when I received an I-phone 17 this [View all]

Christmas. But am struggling to use it. Even ordered a tutorial book.

It's my first I-phone -- had only flip phones before. People keep messaging me, but it's only words. No expression, no feeling behind the words. It's difficult to respond in a way I would want. Struggle to capitalize words and place proper punctuation.

So I'm missing phone calls where I actually spoke to real people and heard how they felt. Not just words.

What's wrong with me? It feels so empty and it's making me dislike the nice gift I got from people dear to me.

32 replies

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Am totally discouraged. Got the thrill of my life when I received an I-phone 17 this [View all] allegorical oracle 8 hrs ago OP

It took me a while to get into texting. It's a learning curve. But I get what you're saying. I'm 75 and remember CurtEastPoint 8 hrs ago #1

It takes too long to dial 1-888-9879 Earthrise 7 hrs ago #15

Now I hate to push buttons and talk on the phone. Irish_Dem 7 hrs ago #23

Remember when the cord was always tangled up Bluestocking 7 hrs ago #17

99% of my phone communication is text or email BlueWaveNeverEnd 8 hrs ago #2

Lucky to have a younger wife to help me. multigraincracker 4 hrs ago #29

Be patient. Irish_Dem 8 hrs ago #3

Thank you. Especially like your #4. As usual, I find your advice inspiring. Insofar as your allegorical oracle 8 hrs ago #5

I confess I do the same. Irish_Dem 7 hrs ago #20

You make many good points. It is reliable. Have a steno pad, now, with just icons and allegorical oracle 7 hrs ago #21

Thanks to you both. Frankly, i'm in tears in some days as I fumble with this tool allegorical oracle 8 hrs ago #4

Try logging onto here with it IbogaProject 7 hrs ago #11

Not an Apple user, I have had a samsung smart phone for years. cksmithy 7 hrs ago #6

Oh, am older than you. Recall those phone systems of plugging cords to connect people. As allegorical oracle 7 hrs ago #12

I remember my mother saying she and her 15 months younger sister liked... 3catwoman3 3 hrs ago #30

I've never responded to a text. Eventually people get the message: phone and talk, or don't bother me. nt eppur_se_muova 7 hrs ago #7

Bless you... I agree. allegorical oracle 7 hrs ago #14

Rule #1 of texting: intheflow 7 hrs ago #8

Thanks for that advice. Already made a friend angry when I was "practising" -- woke her allegorical oracle 7 hrs ago #16

Ah, your friend has to learn the #2 rule of texting. intheflow 7 hrs ago #19

LOL! Thanks...I needed that. allegorical oracle 7 hrs ago #22

Do what I did: have coworkers half your age who know what to do. mahatmakanejeeves 7 hrs ago #9

Good advice....now if I can only find someone half my age... (yikes). allegorical oracle 5 hrs ago #24

What do you mostly use your phone for? mahatmakanejeeves 4 hrs ago #27

Go to your local public library! intheflow 19 min ago #32

I can understand.I only have a flip phone.Rarely use it. I, too, try and communicate person to person via face/voice-nt marked50 7 hrs ago #10

What I would do: Give it away! Find a model for "seniors" and tell your friends and love ones that Earthrise 7 hrs ago #13

Oh you have no idea of how many times I've considered your advice. There's part of me, 'tho, allegorical oracle 7 hrs ago #18

Have friends who are "losing it" over their new washer/dryers because of all the allegorical oracle 5 hrs ago #25

Ageism! Old people have to have products dumbed down for them? Really? mahatmakanejeeves 4 hrs ago #26

I found YouTube to be really helpful. CrispyQ 4 hrs ago #28

I got an Apple phone when our younger son started college in 2011. 3catwoman3 3 hrs ago #31