Are Your Emails Being Ignored?

Emails from concerned site visitors ask why they are not receiving responses to their emails. As more people become tech-savvy, including using their phones for email, “Why don’t they reply to my emails? It only takes a moment — they are ignoring me!”

Emails are being ignored, and many are not pleased about it. They think it is disrespectful. And in some cases, they are right. But more often than not, it’s just because people are busy or preoccupied.

First, let’s examine the formal definition of “ignore.”

ig-nore: To refuse to pay attention to; disregard.

With the above in mind, if someone is not responding to your email, yes, technically, you are being ignored. They are disregarding your communication. They have decided not to pay attention to your email.

It isn’t always personal…

In many cases, the person you emailed isn’t sitting there thinking, “I’m going to ignore them!”. They are living their life, dealing with their concerns and challenges. Perhaps they don’t want to burden you with that right now, so it’s easier not to respond.

The other side of the coin says, “I’m too busy…”, “I don’t have to respond…” or even “Yes, I choose to ignore some people and don’t care if they like it or not!”. I had someone make that last comment regarding one of my articles on the topic.

Then some are away from their computers. Or are dealing with difficult times and don’t feel like communicating. You never know what is going on on the other side of your message.

So, try to think beyond the fact that you want a reply before assuming why you haven’t received it. It may not be about you.

Before getting upset, stop and ask yourself:

Be concerned about the right things…

Let’s say, for the sake of this discussion, that your emails are blatantly and willfully ignored. Indeed, that hurts. But we cannot control how others choose to act or prioritize. We can only respond to those decisions.

Time to select who is worthy of your concern. First, why be concerned about anyone who is too busy or does not care how they make you feel? The answer is, don’t worry about people who treat you this way.

We live in an “all about me” culture. Yet, during difficult times, we see the true nature of many people we thought we knew well. Some disappoint, while others rise to the occasion and are there for others.

Choose Wisely

We never can know what another person is going through. Nor can we surmise the reasons for their actions or lack thereof. So I prefer to give the benefit of the doubt and not assume bad intentions. But I know that’s not always the case.

To those who don’t like being ignored, move on. Focus your efforts on and communicate with those with the time and courtesy to respond to your communications.

To those who ignore: Be aware that failing to take the time to offer the courtesy of a response reflects your priorities. As a result, don’t be surprised if those you ignore decide to return the favor.