Women have always maintained that men were genetically programmed to despise talking on the phone and for years that theory rang true. Some experts believe that the male population don't choose the land-line phone as their preferred mode of communication because they don't like to be stuck in one place. But with the advent of mobiles, communicating by phone has become more male-friendly.

Men today may be more contactable and receptive to talking, but they still don't crave the kind of extended phone conversations you have with your girlfriends. For men, the mobile phone is a means of giving and getting information quickly; for females, it's about intimate sharing and always being contactable. But even as you try to handle the new calling conundrums brought on by technology, the old faithfuls (Why hasn't he called? Should I email him, or ring him?) still linger. So we've put together everything you need to know about keeping the phone lines open. Josh Dean, answers questions on calling etiquette.

HIS PHONE RULES

If a guy doesn't make a move but you think he's interested, how can you get him to ask for your number?
“Guys can be shy and may not be picking up on the signals you're sending. So they might not ask for your number if they're not 100 per cent sure you're willing to give it out. Take the pressure off him and ask for his number instead. If that feels too bold, try this move: as you're heading out the door, say, 'You should call me sometime,' If he doesn't follow that with, 'OK, so what's your number?' he's to thick to go out with anyway.”

If you have caller ID and see that he called and didn't leave a message, should you get back to him? And if so, do you mention that you know he called?
“Alerting him to the fact you know he called puts him on the defensive, like he's been caught out. Don't use caller ID as an excuse to call him back before it's 'officially' your turn. The phone game has a definite set of rules, especially early in the relationship. Only get back to him after he's left a message.”

If he doesn't follow up a date with a call, does it mean he's not interested?
“It's not the most positive sign. When a guy really likes a girl, he almost has to tie his hands to keep from calling to soon. And even if he proves to be interested later, not following up post-date says a lot about his character: he's either lazy, disorganised, or inconsiderate – not qualities you want in a boyfriend. That said, it's always possible that he's having a horrible week, so it's worth giving him the benefit of the doubt. If he doesn't get in touch in three or four days, though, move on.”

If you just left a message on his home phone, should you also try his mobile or will you look like a stalker?
“If he's one of those people who generally asks, “Why didn't you try the mobile?' then, yes, try both. But if he's responded to your messages on his home answering machine before – particularly if you've just started seeing each other – I'd wait for him to call you back.”

Can you increase a guy's interest by not calling him back too quickly?
“Absolutely. There's nothing like the, 'Does she or doesn't she like me?' anticipation to make a man want you. For guys, the period after making the first move is torturous... in a good way. If a girl calls too soon, she can seem overly eager and less of a challenge. So by all means, make him sweat, but not for too long or he'll get bored with the game.”

DECIPHERING MYSTERIOUS MESSAGES
Discover the meaning behind these three common varieties of voice mail

1. Stumbling And Rambling
“Hi. Um, hey. It's me. I was just, um, calling because I, um, I wanted to see if maybe you were home, but obviously you're not, so I'll just leave a message instead... and, um, maybe you can call me back. If you want to, that is.”

His nervousness suggests that he's interested, but he's cautious about what he says because he wants to make a good impression.

2. All Business
“Hey. It's me. Call me back. Bye.”

He's not being rude; this is simply how guys normally use the phone – short and to the point. Take it for what it is – a good sign that he wants to talk to you.

3. Vague And Non-Committal
“Hey, I'm just hanging out with my friends, but I wanted to call and say hi. Let's talk soon, OK?”

It begs a lot of questions but at least you know he's interested if he's out with his mates and thinking of you at the same time.

WHAT YOU CAN TELL FROM THE TYPE OF MOBILE HE HAS

A Flip Phone: The extra motion of these models spells “showy”. However, they do conceal callers' numbers, so he could be someone who protects his privacy.
The Latest Lightweight Model: Generally, the smaller the phone, the bigger the price – he may be vain, especially if he's eager to show off his trendy toy.
A Funky Or Colourful Phone Face: This guy definitely wants to be noticed. Chances are he's trendy, outgoing and assertive.
Crammed With Games: He's a boy at heart and looking for fun. He's also an organiser – he likes to consolidate his gadgets.
An Older, Clunky Model: This guy is sweetly clueless when it comes to current fads. He's most likely set in his ways and somewhat conservative.

MEN VS WOMEN PHONE FACTS
So who relies on their mobile phone more? Check out these statistics:

25.4% of men need a mobile to help juggle their work and personal life, compared to 18.2% of women.

17.7% of men rely on a mobile to help coordinate their social life, compared to 15.8% of women.

33.3% of men prefer using a mobile so they can screen calls. Only 30.8% of women think caller ID is important.

-Statistics From: Roy Morgan Research & Telstra