Texting Taboos: 10 Top Reasons for Delayed Replies
In today’s age of instant messaging, leaving a text unanswered for days feels like an eternity. Is it negligence, a packed schedule, or something deeper? We unearthed ten compelling reasons that people shared for why they waited ages before responding to a text message.
1. They Forget
By far, saying they simply forget to respond is the most used reason. Something was going on at the moment they received and read the text. Life goes on, and it is days before they realize they never replied.
A lot is going on in the world. People have jobs and families, and it is easy for that text message to go to the depths of your brain, never to be thought of again.
2. They Reply Mentally
This excuse goes hand-in-hand with forgetting; however, it was important to mention it because so many people do this. For example, if you are in the middle of something when the text comes through or delicate wording is necessary for the response, the reply happens mentally.
At this point, you can convince yourself that you replied because you did think about the answer, only to realize that you never did.
3. Anxiety
This answer is a brutally honest one. Some people deal with anxiety, which can be crippling in social situations like this. If you are one of those people that worry what others will think about you and judge your every word, it can be nerve-wracking to respond to a text. Sometimes it is easier not to respond if being judged is the other option.
4. They Don’t Want To Deal With It
When it comes to getting a text about something you just don’t want to deal with, every so often, it is simpler to just not. One commenter uses the example of his mother messaging him about something career related. Instead of getting into it with her or admitting his faults, he ignores the text until he is in the right mindset to open up that can of worms.
5. They Have Kids
Listen, being a parent is a full-time job. Those who have children don’t always have the luxury of being able to respond to text messages as they come in. Younger kids need to be fed, bathed, and clothed.
By the time they are asleep, you just want to relax and get some rest yourself. Older kids aren’t any easier as they have extracurricular activities and attitudes. More often than not, text messages have to take a backseat to them.
6. They Are Thinking About the Best Response
Sometimes a text message warrants a thoughtful response. Because of this, it can take a day or two (or three) to find the right way to word what you want to say.
Sure, they could have word-vomited out a response. Still, in the interest of really taking in what the person said to them, they find it best to wait until they know exactly what to say.
7. They Are on Vacation
Vacations don’t come around a lot for most people, which means that when someone finally gets time away from work and the hustle and bustle of the real world, perhaps they want to unplug. This reason is also necessary for mental health. So I fully support keeping your phone silent for a few days to rest and refresh yourself.
8. They Are at Work
Not everyone has the luxury of being able to look at their phone at work. And if they receive a text while there, it can easily get lost or forgotten when the workday ends.
9. They Don’t Want to Talk to People
One of the most popular responses is that there are days when they don’t feel like talking to people. We have all been there. This admission falls under the mental health category.
Whether they don’t want to talk to people because they are stressed out, have too much going on, or just can’t deal with others right now, this is a valid reason to wait to reply.
Someone put it perfectly, stating that they love cell phones for many reasons but don’t like that they make it so they are expected to be reachable at any time. Somedays, you just don’t have it in you. And that’s okay.
10. They Don’t Like You
Harsh. I know. But also true. There are people in this world that don’t like you. Admit it. There are people in this world that you don’t like. So maybe, just maybe, they don’t want to talk to you.
More from Hello Sensible
She’s Not Flirting With You: 10 Signs Men Misinterpret As Romantic Interest
We wanted to know – what are the most common “signals” that men misinterpret when it comes to women?
She’s Not Flirting With You: 10 Signs Men Misinterpret As Romantic Interest
10 Scary Modern-Day Poisons People Willingly Ingest – And Can’t Live Without
As modern society advances, new types of poisons are slowly becoming a part of our everyday life, and most aren’t even related to our diet. Here are 10 things that our slowly poisoning our minds, bodies, and society.
10 Scary Modern-Day Poisons People Willingly Ingest – And Can’t Live Without
Listen Up, Men: 12 Stereotypes Women Are Sick and Tired of Hearing
Do you think society imposes unfair standards on women? These women share stereotypes they’ve been labeled with just for being a woman, and they are fed up.
Listen Up, Men: 12 Stereotypes Women Are Sick and Tired of Hearing
The World’s #1 Richest Actress Is Not Who You’d Expect
Did you know the richest actress in the world is worth over $3 billion? While there are a lot of famous movie stars with huge fortunes, you’d never believe who sits at the top of the list.
The World’s #1 Richest Actress Is Not Who You’d Expect
13 Extremely Personal Questions Only Women Get Asked (Not Men)
Have you ever gotten asked highly personal questions as a woman that you suspect men would never be asked? Here are 13 of the worst…
13 Extremely Personal Questions Only Women Get Asked (Not Men): “It’s Such a Double Standard”
This thread inspired this post.
