Virtual Rule #1: Finish what you start
The first Emily Post rule of the digital age is that the instigator of text messages must respond. If you send a text message asking another person if they would like to get together, you must respond to their response in a prompt manner unless their has been massive blood loss or a close family member has become unconscious. I really don't see any other excuse for not following through on a conversation once YOU have initiated it. When you engage someone in conversation on the phone or face-to-face it is expected that you continue the communication you have begun. If you just sit there staring into space and are mute, the ability for meaningful communication is severely compromised. It is like serving in a tennis match - you keep your end of the bargain by attempting to swat back what is returned by the receiving end.
Example scenario:
Instigator texts: "Are u free to get together this week? I've missed u."
Respondent texts back: "That would be great! I am free Tuesday &Wednesday. Let me know if one of those nights works for u."
Instigator does not reply.
In the case above the respondent was courteous and prompt, giving the instigator options of two nights to choose from because after all the instigator left the entire week up for grabs by not being precise about exactly what day they wanted to meet. I guess what really bugs me about this is the instigator dangled caring in front of someone but than failed to see it through. Maybe sincerely they had the best of intentions when they begun but as my Gammy says "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." It isn't enough to begin something well it must followed through and finished well.
So the first social rule of the digital age is that the one who engages another in communication via text message must see it through.
Am I a wrong here people? Speak your peace please and if you have better terminology to use let me know; instigator and respondent seem wrong to me but I couldn't think of other words to use.
LOL virtually lost. I think I call you a different name every time I respond. Ill keep up with this one.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow I completely agree with you. If party a instigates then party b responds, then party a is by-law obligated to continue said interaction.
Especially when party a uses the phrase, "I miss u" which is almost as overused as the phrase "I luv u" but we won't get into that here...
So yes, if party a misses party b then party a should respond letting he or she know if Tuesday or Wednesday works for him or her.
You're so funny! Btw when does a text message officially end? Do you ever get or send those texts where you (or the other person) really don't (doesn't) need to respond but you're not really sure. Do you just respond with a smiley face or expect one back?
Love.
I suffer from identity crisis hence all the different names I call myself. LOL Maybe I have multiple personalities each fighting to be heard and voiced. :) LOL! I think we live several lives within our one life upon this planet. Sometimes it is outer events, the things that happen to us, that change greatly who we are and how we see the world. Other times it is the simple private lessons and inner realizations we come to that change us, these are quite yet deep changes. But all of that is a post for another time.
ReplyDeleteThere are texting times where the conversation is ended with the mutual texting of symbols such as the wink ;), the smiley :), the heart <3. This symbol texting could go on forever back and forth. Sometimes a person will clearly end the conversation by texting "Have a great night!" I think the cliché old standby of the Golden Rule "treat others how you want to be treated" can never steer us too wrong. Sometimes we just have to go with our gut and "feel" when a conversation has ended. If the text is a general one like the encouraging texts I send once in a while, if ya feel like sending a smile face, send it proudly with no worries after. :)
- No worries (I use that phrase a lot in text conversation. I think it portrays concern without obsessive control issues. It says “I care but I am not clingy” no worries. LOL) xox