AIBU to want a fucking reply when I text!!! Rant needed.

[CrapBag]

There is a large group of us who are friends. There is only 1 out of the whole lot that I can rely on to text back at all. I always reply, even if I am unable to do it straight away, I will at the next available opportunity.

I find it rude tbh. It doesn't take more than a minute. It will often be a question as well. Last night I sent out a group text to 10 of my friends. I got 2 replies. Today I sent 12 about an activity for next week. I have had 3 replies. I know I won't get any more than that. I know that when I see them and ask "did you get my message" it will be the usual "oh yeah, I meant to reply to that". The same excuse every single fecking time.

And it isn't me, my other friend says the same and will often text me as she can rely on an answer.

Does anyone else think it is rude? And if you are one of those who don't reply, seriously - its irritating. Just take a minute from your day to answer, particularly when its asking a question.

Before anyone says about not communicating by text, it is the easiest way when you are trying to organise group activities.

It is rude not to reply to a message. The issue is how long you take to reply, I suppose. Differing expectations.

i don't always reply straight away. I maybe busy and, tbh, forget later. Excuse me for forgetting things between working and looking after the kids etc. If its about doing something i may have to check dates (for me, dh and kids) see if i can arrange a babysitter etc. Just because its important to you does not mean its at the top of everyones priorty list.

Rude not to respond.
Not rude to respond in own time.

Well, it is. But it's a bit off to continue to use a method of communication that is not appropriate for the person you want to communicate with. My phone is switched off at work because I am a teacher. So it lives, off, at the bottom of my bag. I use it when I am running late and have to organise my childcare. And then it goes away again. If I have it switched on habitually, it would go off in my lessons, and I can't be doing with that. So if people want to contact me, I would much prefer they did it the old fashioned way. And not because I am rude.

It's just common decency to reply to someone who has messages you.

that depends on whether it requires a reply ie is it a statement or a question.

the clue in communication is to telephone - I might answer the land line and a response might be given. I dont do answerphone messages either - auto deleted on the ground that if it is important enough, someone will phone back.

Can't believe people get so uptight about being able to be contacted on their mobile phone....how outrageous to think that I can text a friend who has a mobile....how rude of me..!

Don't have a bloody phone if it's such an inconvencience, or don't give out your number. Simples.

I refuse to phone my friends to arrange something.

Oh well if you cant be bothered to speak to them, Im not surprised they dont answer.

Have you lot got my number?

My phone has just gone off twice. Maybe my friends have got the hint.

I know my friends working hours etc. Some of them work but have their phones on them and can use them, some don't work. I really do try to contact them around these times! I am actually a pretty considerate person. I clearly have too much time on my hands.

"But if a friend is trying to arrange a date with you and needs a reply quickly in my books it's rude to leave it till you can be arsed "

Exactly!! I only usually text when I am asking something direct, like inviting people for something, not just for general chit chat. That is pointless in a text.

why bother having an answerphone then trois?

I have to ask my patients...."do you have an answerphone?.....and do you listen to your messages?" Many hospitals/clinics etc leave messages on peoples answerphones about appt times, so if yours autodelete and you get discharged for not turning up, don't blame us!

Totally agree everlong...for many people a quick text is much more convenient way of communicating. I can't ring people while I am at work, but I can send a text....i.e..DP....don't forget to pick up DD2 from school today ...

why bother having an answerphone then trois?

(A) came with the BT package - I only answer it when its full up and starts shrieking at me .... that would be about 8 months worth of them.

(b) came with the mobile ph package - again I only answer that when my phone gets hysterical and bleeps.

(c) I have one at work - I ignore that as well until the flashing light irritates me and then it gets deleted - people will phone in office hours if its important.

Many hospitals/clinics etc leave messages on peoples answerphones about appt times, so if yours autodelete and you get discharged for not turning up, don't blame us!

I'm not habitually a sicknote .... so that scenario doesnt apply to me

No it's reasonable to expect an answer but unreasonable to expect an answer NOW! My sil is like you and if she texts and I don't reply she'll text in 5 min and say 'did you receive my text?'. And they aren't texts about appointments or booking tickets or anything like that. They are 'conversational stuff' like 'how are you guys? Will you be visiting us soon?' ... Erm nothing bloody important!!!

you don't have to be a sicknote to have a hospital appt. Might be for you or a member of your family.

Most phones have the option to turn the answerphone function off.

Well, it clearly isn't convenient if the OP is inconvenienced by people not replying.

OP do you put 'tb' at the end of your messages? Maybe that's where you're going wrong

you don't have to be a sicknote to have a hospital appt. Might be for you or a member of your family.

family have their own phones and can arrange their appointments.

doesnt apply to me, sorry, i just dont do technology. Write me a letter and you will get it answered within 24 hours.

Yes trois, damn those people wanting to contact you at work. Attention seeking idiots

Oh dont even go up the 'did you get my message route' ... if you send me a diatribe via work email and Im sorting out YOUR problem because you are too fuckwitted to .... then DO NOT proceed to phone me to see if I got your email. Did you get a bounce back 'cannot be delivered message'?? no? oh well it arrived and it will go in the frigging queue of importance.