ABC News reporter Roberts wasn't always one for small talk. “I don’t like checking in,” she explains. “If you're calling just to ask, 'What's wrong?' No, I don't like that.” Everyone's favorite TV weatherman, however, is the phone guy. After years of resentment about his frequent phone calls, a friend offered some suggestions for changing her stance. “
A friend said to me, 'Have you ever thought that maybe he would feel good when he hears your voice because it tells him that all is well in the world? '” she recalled. “I thought, 'This is really great. I've never thought of it this way. If it means something to him, it should mean something to me. “
Now, she says, “I've learned to take a deep breath and say, 'Honey, I have some things to do, but what's wrong with you? Great. I'm so glad to hear from you. I gotta go. Talk to you later. Love you.' It makes a world of difference to him, and even two minutes of kindness and sweetness doesn't kill me.” They celebrated their 29th anniversary in September 2024.