If you want to have a good conversation with someone, call for your free annual credit report. A very nice-sounding woman robot answered the phone. She earned my interest by listening carefully to everything I had to say and repeating it back to me. I felt heard and understood.

She asked for my phone number, which I gave, wondering if she'd call one day to say hello. Then she wanted my zip code, street address, and birth date (would she send a card next year?).

All was going well. Until she wanted the spelling of my last name. I tried to clearly pronounce each letter, but I confess. I am a sibling who sibilates. It can wreak havoc in certain situations. She misspelled my name. Twice.  I had patience the first time as people always misspell my last name, but when it happened again, I felt a little frustrated.

We had a conflict, my new friend and I. I waited anxiously to see what would happen next. What a relief when she acknowledged our problem, explaining it in a way that was easy to understand. She also suggested a nifty resolution. She asked me to say my first and last name and spell both after the beep. She played the recording back. I felt excited when she asked for my approval.She also asked for my social security number.

By now we were on intimate terms. I wanted to continue our conversation.

I was sorry when she said goodbye.