This one is interesting. The first part made me wonder how am I going to handle that kind of situation if it was me. I don't think I have ever talked to someone over the phone and asked how are they doing. I am someone who hesitates to make such initiative to start a conversation with someone I knew. It's probably because of my personality. I had friends in school before, but not to the extent that I can share my personal thoughts whenever I like.

Though, all these words might seem to be just excuses.