Cynthetiq

I used to call my parents or sister. Emphasis on used to.

We travel so much that it is silly to make those kinds of calls. Not to mention, my parents don't reciprocate it.

I do however try to let them know where we'll be staying so that in case of emergency they can reach me. In the advent of the worldwide cellphone, not as much a big deal.

I also will contact them during extended trips meaning greater than 1 week. This is important when overseas. I recall being in Madrid and then leaving for the La Mancha Plains when an ETA bomb blew up in the commerical center of Madrid. I contacted a friend via IM and had her call my sister and father to let them know I was okay and was not in Madrid at all.

I've also gotten into the habit of contacting the US Embassy when travelling, letting them know that I'm in town and where I am staying in case of any civil unrest. This was important in the Philippines and India.

I just don't call. There's no need to tell them anything. Telling them makes it a discussion and it's really not up for discussion. If and when the bring it up, I've told relatives, "Why should I call if I'm home safe? If there is a problem, you'll get a phone call."

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