Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Communication is a 2-way street, right?

Photo courtesy of sitepoint
So I’m having a moment ...

Why is it so hard for people to return messages? Emails, text, voicemail ... doesn’t matter. If someone is taking the time to write to you there’s obviously a reason. Yes, there may be the occasional rhetorical question or “I’m bored” ramble which can be ignored to some extent, but for the most part there’s a reason for the communication.

You start questioning your means of communication ... Is my (brand new) phone not working? Is YOUR phone not working? Are the email servers crashing? Has Alex Bell decided to revoke his patent on the telephone and all phone service has been cut off around the world?

Then you start questioning their behaviour ...  Did I do something to piss you off? Did someone ELSE piss you off? Have you contracted some kind of disease that leaves your fingers immobilized?

... Or are you just being a douchebag?

I’m not asking for a novel in your response, just any response will do. Even if it’s a quick message like “I’m busy but I’ll get back to you later,” or even a simple “Yes” or “No” will suffice most times. I would rather have that then 3 weeks of non-response text messages. Seriously. You’re THAT busy that you can’t take the time to drop me a quick msg to let me know you’re alive?!?

Please, people of the universe, have the decency to return your messages. You have no idea how frustrating it is for the person on the other end to not hear a peep from you ... especially when all they’re asking is “How are you doing?” or “Wanna grab a beer?”

Oh, and for the record, that whole “I’m pissed at [insert name with expletive here] so I’m not going to talk to anyone” crap doesn’t fly ... Friends exist to help you when you need it, so knock it off and just talk to someone.