'Does This Text Require an Immediate Response?'
Psychologists report that it's important to know what requires an immediate response via text and what can wait.Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a psychologist and founder of Balanced Awakening, suggests replying right away if:
Your partner is at the store and asks you, “Do you need anything?” (Especially if you do.)Anything that’s related to time logistics that are impending, such as “Just confirming that I’ll pick you up around 6:30 p.m. for our movie night.”Work-related deadlines or urgency—think requests from your presenting partner to go over notes before the big moment.A loved one reaches out, indicating they are in emotional distress and are requesting your support. "This one has some nuance depending on who the person is, if they do this to you a lot and if you’re attempting to set a boundary with them because of this," Dr. Yang clarifies. "However, generally speaking, this type of text has more urgency."Safety concerns and medical emergencies.Memes, jokes or social media linksGroup chat banter that doesn’t need your inputGeneral life updates not tied to a time-sensitive event (think a stream of photos of their beach vacation while you're mid-hustle at work)Reminders about something far in the futureTexts sent while you’re working, driving or in a situation where replying isn’t safe or practicalMessages from people you don’t know well
Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Start Putting This One Thing in Emails
2. They're perfectionists
The texter who keeps typing out responses—as indicated by the sometimes anxiety-provoking "..."—may not be leaving you waiting on baited breath because they're rude. Instead, they may be trying to hit the SMS version of a grand slam."People who believe that they cannot make mistakes and everything they do needs to be perfect will delay responding because they will obsess over having the perfect response for you," Dr. Yang shares. "Then, they may get exhausted and give up and not respond."Related: People Who Never Felt Validated as Kids Often Develop These 11 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
4. They're overworked and burnt out
The high achievers described in No. 3 can work themselves into a state of burnout, which can only make it harder to respond to texts with urgency."People who believe they need to work a lot for any reason—to achieve their goals, because it is necessary in their industry, because they think the harder they work, the more they’ll achieve—are prone to burnout," Dr. Yang says. "When someone is burnt out and overwhelmed by all of the things they need to do, they are less likely to respond to texts in a timely manner."Related: This Is the #1 Question To Ask Yourself When You're Overwhelmed, According to 'Lifestyled' Author Shira Gill
6. They’re distracted or scattered
On the other hand, slow texters may struggle with "popcorn brain," which occurs when thoughts "pop" from one thought to the next."They may read the text while doing something else—at work [or] watching something and intend to answer later," Dr. Hafeez says. "The problem is they often forget because their mind jumps to the next thing."
8. They're anxious-avoidant
Dr. MacBride notes that some people with anxiety respond quickly, but others avoid it."Some people delay because texts trigger thoughts like, 'This will lead to a long conversation that I can’t handle right now,'" Dr. MacBride says. "The pause is a coping strategy—space to calm the nervous system before engaging."
Not everyone considers their phone a fifth limb."There are still people out there who don’t use their phone much and aren’t very concerned that they are missing something," Dr. Yang says. "They may lose track of time in other areas of life, and their phone has been inaccessible the whole time. So when they say, 'Just seeing this now,' they genuinely mean it."Related: 35 Fun Games To Play Over Text That'll Keep You Entertained and Connected to Your Friends
How To Become a Better Texter
1. Create boundaries
Related: 11 Boundaries Every Woman Should Set by 40, According to Therapists
3. Show interest and sincerity
Ask people what's going on in their lives, especially if you don't see them often."Great text communication doesn't only inform and entertain, but demonstrates care and appreciation of the other person, as well," Dr. Vinall explains. "Be sincere. Balance humor with heart. Be clear in expressing emotions through word choice or use of reaction buttons, GIFs and emojis."
5. Know the appropriate response time
More often than not, try to respond within a timeframe that meets the memo."You don’t have to reply instantly, but leaving someone hanging for hours or days can come off as careless," Dr. Hafeez explains. "People notice patterns. Being consistent helps people feel like they matter to you."
Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This 'Rude' Habit During Small Talk
Sources:
Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology PartnersDr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a psychologist and founder of Balanced AwakeningDr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the MindDr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with Recovered.orgHence then, the article about people who avoid responding to texts right away often share these 9 traits psychologists explain was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( People Who Avoid Responding to Texts Right Away Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Explain )
Also on site :