What is it about hearing “please stay on hold” that instantly spikes our blood pressure? Whether it’s a bank’s automated voice or a friendly tech support rep, almost everyone dreads that moment. Staying on hold isn’t just a nuisance—it’s become a running joke and even a meme in online culture. So why does this simple phrase drive us up the wall? And what can we actually do about it?

Why Does It Feel So Bad to Stay On Hold?

Most people agree that being told to “stay on hold” ranks high among life’s small frustrations. But there are deeper reasons why this experience is so universally aggravating:

• Loss of control: When you’re stuck waiting for help, you can’t do much but listen and hope someone eventually picks up.
• Uncertainty: Not knowing how long you’ll be waiting makes every minute drag (and sometimes feels like hours).
• Annoying repetition: The same recorded messages or looping elevator music can quickly wear down anyone’s patience.
• Time wasted: We all value our time—and being forced to wait with no end in sight feels especially wasteful.

According to experts at Psychology Today, frustration often comes from situations where we’re blocked from reaching our goals—like getting answers or fixing an urgent problem. Call center waits are a perfect recipe for this feeling.

The Tech Behind Call Center Waits

Believe it or not, there’s quite a bit of technology working behind the scenes when you’re asked to stay on hold. Modern call centers use advanced systems called Automatic Call Distributors (ACDs). These systems route incoming calls based on availability and urgency. While designed for efficiency, they can’t always keep up during peak hours or unexpected surges—so callers end up in line.

Many companies try to soften the blow with on-hold music, but even the catchiest tunes get old fast. Some businesses now use callback features or virtual assistants so you don’t have to actually wait by the phone—but these aren’t universal yet.

The Psychology of Waiting (And Why It Feels Longer)

Ever notice how five minutes on hold feels like twenty? That’s not just your imagination—psychologists have studied how time seems to slow down when you’re left hanging without distraction or feedback. One famous study from MIT professor Richard Larson found that “occupied time feels shorter than unoccupied time.” In other words: if you’re twiddling your thumbs with nothing happening, every second drags.

Some companies try to fight this effect by giving regular updates (“your call is important to us…”) or estimated wait times. Even so, when those updates repeat endlessly without progress, frustration only grows.

Real-Life Anecdote: A Never-Ending Tech Support Call

A friend once shared his experience calling his internet provider after an outage. He was ready for some wait time but wasn’t prepared for what followed—he was put on hold for nearly an hour while the same cheerful jingle looped again and again. He tried multitasking (making coffee, folding laundry), but every few minutes he’d hear “thank you for your patience… please stay on hold.” By the time someone finally answered his call—with the classic line “how can I help you today?”—all patience had evaporated. Sound familiar?

How to Survive (and Even Beat) Long Hold Times

While waiting may never be fun, a few simple strategies can make those inevitable holds less painful:

• Call at off-peak hours: Early mornings or late evenings often have shorter lines.
• Use online resources first: Many companies offer chat support or self-service troubleshooting guides right from their websites.
• Ask about callbacks: Some call centers will save your spot in line and ring you back when someone’s available.
• Stay productive: Put your phone on speaker and tackle small tasks while waiting.
• Mute if needed: If the music drives you crazy, mute your device between check-ins so you don’t lose your mind.

For more tips straight from customer service pros themselves, take a look at this guide from Consumer Reports. You’ll find practical advice that really works.

The Future of “Please Stay On Hold”

Technology is slowly chipping away at those dreaded waits. AI-powered chatbots are starting to handle simple requests instantly. Some companies now offer virtual queues where you get a text when it’s your turn. As these options spread, maybe soon we’ll hear “please stay on hold” far less often—or not at all.

Until then, next time you’re asked to “please stay on hold,” remember you’re definitely not alone—and there are ways to make it easier. What’s been your longest or most memorable experience staying on hold?