Do you have friends who expect you to respond to their emails in seconds? Or how about those friends that want you to be available at all times for texts or chats? Then, when you explain why you didn’t respond or were not available to chat — hurt feelings come into play.
I don’t understand why someone would choose to have hurt feelings simply because the other side was busy. Is it wise to impose expectations on those we communicate with? Not really.
We don’t know their schedule or what is going on to demand that they drop everything to stop and respond as we see fit. Instead of choosing to be hurt just say “I understand” and ask when they will be available!
Yes, when it comes to response time, E-mail Etiquette dictates that you respond promptly to your incoming emails. However, in the real world that isn’t always possible. We all need to understand that we cannot have expectations of what others should do or when they should be available for us.
E-mail and texting may be virtually instantaneous, but people are not. After all there is this entire other off-line world filled with responsibilities and activities that take folks away from their devices.
If your friend’s expectations are out of line with your life — that is not your fault. All too often folks only think of themselves and not the other person (you) on the other side of the screen. So let them know in a kind and gentle tone that they are important but that you simply cannot be available all the time.
And if you are one of those who gets hurt or upset whenever someone doesn’t respond as fast as you like, it’s nothing to be mad or upset about. Understanding what our friend’s lives entail, not just what we need at any given moment, is also part of being a good friend, right?