While checking out the new mini bookstore at my local cafe, I spotted a book titled Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back and I chuckled to myself because that’s the story of my life. I’ve learned a lot from my texting habits, and I feel the need to document this because this book title really resonated with me, because I wanted to add “nothing personal.”
It really is nothing personal. Allow me to plead my case: I’ll preface this by saying that none of this is an excuse, this is just me stating facts. My life can get pretty hectic. The ebb and flow of my day depends on a lot of of factors that I’m not going to list, other than a lot of texts come in at awkward times, and even if I do get to read them, I may not be able to reply right away. Obviously if it’s something urgent or very important, I do my absolute best to respond.
It really is nothing personal, because I don’t get upset when someone doesn’t respond to me. I understand why someone wouldn’t respond to me, and I’d never fault them for that. I can’t recall ever making a point that someone didn’t respond to my text, and being upset about it.
It really is nothing personal, and I’ve learned that different people have their own reactions. When I learn that someone is upset with me for not responding to their texts, I do my best to apologize. I try not to offer excuses unless there was a dire reason for not responding.
While looking around for other people’s opinions on this subject, there’s a lot of mixed reactions, and a lot of what stands out is some people take late/no response to text personally. I can understand these feelings, especially in an age where texting has always been a factor. Again, this is not an excuse, but I grew up in a time before texting. Personal communication was not instant.
After gaining more insight, I know there are other layers of understanding involved in this subject, and its made me think that I can adjust (or try to) even if it’s a quick reply to acknowledge that I got the message. I understand now that sometimes texting could be the only thing that ties people together, and by not responding, that could invite thoughts of doubt and distrust. I just wanted to acknowledge this.
Note: The book Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back by Alicia Cook contains deeply personal poems discussing mental health, love, grief and a lot of other emotions. It looks to be a great book to read through. Just wanted to mention because I sort-of borrowed the title.
