How long should you wait for a reply? (2024)

FAQs

How long should you wait for a reply? ›

Even though it's a little old-fashioned, some people will wait 3 days after a date to text you back to make you miss them more. Waiting any longer than a week could be a sign they're not interested, and it might be best to let the conversation die out.

Time-sensitive messages should be answered as soon as possible, while you have more time for nonurgent ones. But not that long. Gottsman, speaking "from a polite factor" believes you should respond within a day. "That sounds like a very long time for some people but we all have busy lives."

It depends on the situation and the people involved. If you're close friends or in a relationship, then 12 hours is probably not too long, as long as you're not doing it all the time. However, if you're getting to know someone or you're not sure how they feel about you, then 12 hours might be too long.

What is the standard turnaround time to send a business email response? Short Answer: As fast as you can! Long Answer: I recommend at least within 24 hours (during business hours, of course) if at all possible. If you cannot respond quickly, send a note saying you will respond when you can do so in detail.

However, if your message is left on read for more than eight hours, then it might be time to start panicking.

It's OK to ignore a text message, WhatsApp or a DM. Sometimes it's absolutely essential for your physical and mental health.

In terms of texting, replying too soon (although great at first) over time can cause the other person to start to see you as less value. This results in the person having less of an urge to text you.

As a phrase, “dry texting” is relatively recent in the grand scheme of things. It refers to people who reply with one word, or don't carry the conversation and just say things like “lmao” and “wyd” until the receiver wants to tear their hair out in frustration or boredom.

It's definitely not rude to respond to a text message hours after you receive it. Lots of people don't have constant access to their phones because they're busy with the life right that's in front of them.

What is the etiquette for text response time? ›

The appropriate response time also depends on what the text message is about. Time-sensitive messages need to be answered quickly while nonurgent ones can go longer without a response. However, in general, it's important to reply within 24–48 hours to avoid being rude and inconsiderate.

A 5-minute response time is ideal, since it gives you time to think of an awesome reply that'll show off your personality and get her attention. But since you're not keeping her waiting too long, responding after a few minutes still lets you keep the conversation flowing.

But you shouldn't take it personally as there could be many reasons behind your guy not texting you back for extended periods. For instance, he might be busy at work or in the personal sphere, hoping that you would text him first, doesn't want to sound needy, or is simply not good with virtual communication.

If you have given them the time to respond (at least 24 hours) and still hear nothing, sending a follow-up text can help clarify things.

Millennials are constantly checking messages, Instagram, twitter, etc., so if we're left on read, it usually means our message isn't a priority to the person we're texting. If they're taking hours or days to get back to you, it says a lot about their level of interest in you.

So, despite being a bit shady, both experts agreed that leaving someone on read can definitely work to make you seem more desirable — but it can be a mixed bag further down the line. Keegan explains that, as a seduction strategy, keeping someone on read can work. However, it can also appear like a red flag about you.

Ignoring or excluding someone activates the same receptors in the brain that trigger a pain response, both to physical and emotional pain, and leave lasting psychological scars, disfiguring your mental state, your self-esteem, and your ability to recognize a healthy, open relationship.

Reply within 30–60 minutes to play it a little cool.

While it's okay to reply later if you're actually busy, purposefully waiting to text somebody might feel disrespectful if you're available. If you had to make the person wait for more than an hour, offer them an apology and explain what kept you from messaging them.

Out of 132 people who participated, 89% (118 people) voted that texting back quickly is a TURN-ON and 11% (14 people) voted TURN-OFF. One voter let me know she tapped “off” by accident so these results are slightly skewed, but still—the results are clearly in favor of texting back fast being a turn on.

How do you follow up after no response to a text? ›

Following up after no response to an initial text

When you're following up on a text message for which there was no response, reinstate the subject of the previous message, so the receiver immediately knows what the text was about. End the text message with a question that remained unanswered after the previous text.

No response means you have reached the point where you are in control of who you give your time and energy to.” Having the last word or constantly having a retort doesn't necessarily mean power. It could showcase a reach for power, but not necessarily a grasp on it.

Cold texting is reaching out via SMS to a contact without their prior consent or permission. It's similar to cold calling and cold emailing. Some examples that would lead to cold texting include: Purchasing a contact list from a third party. Finding customers' phone information online.

"Write Everything Twice" is yet another common definition for WET. WET. Definition: Write Everything Twice.

A text exchange with no emotion could be a red flag, she notes. If the texts are flat, with no smiling in the language and little energy, this might be an indication the date is emotionally aloof. Some people manage the anxiety of attachment by trying to control their environment, Winsberg points out.

Always respond.

Even if all you say is “got it,” reply so the sender doesn't have to wonder if the message went through. Technology has been known to fail us. To be polite, respond in a timely manner. 2.

Yes, it's very rude. Because you are not listening to that person and don't even try to hide it (it's impossible to fully listen and text at the same time). Also because you are avoiding eye contact, which is rude by itself. It's like someone is talking to you and you are turning your head to the other side.

Dry texting can mean that he's not super into you, but it could also mean you just have to change up your texting strategy a bit to get him interested enough to text back. We'll walk you through texts you can send to fix a dry text conversation, check his interest, and know when to leave the conversation.

In plenty of cases, dry texts are annoying simply because of the fact that they lack context, leaving you questioning what's really being said.

Why am I so bad at responding to texts? ›

“It could be busyness (feeling overwhelmed with messages) or underlying anxieties that lead someone to be a bad replier,” she explains. “Sometimes it can also be about control – when we feel anxious and overwhelmed, we might try to take control of the situation i.e. 'It's up to me when I get back to someone'.

Popularized by the romcom, the three-day dating rule insists that a person wait three full days before contacting a potential suitor. A first-day text or call is too eager, a second-day contact seems planned, but three days is, somehow, the perfect amount of time.

Don't text anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. Don't be upset if your text doesn't get an immediate response—you can't know for sure when the recipient will read the message. Think of texting as a conversation: If you would respond in the conversation, then respond in the text.

By not answering or worse, by leaving you on read, this person may be sending you a message. They may not just be busy or forgetful, they may want you to get the picture without having to say anything. Yes, it is a coward's move, but it still happens.

The next time you are “irked” by someone, instead of shooting off an emotionally charged text, give yourself 24 hours and then call them to talk through things in a calm, rational way. You will preserve your relationship and improve your verbal communication skills.

Quick responses generally mean he likes you.

Longer messages, compliments, personal stories, and lots of questions mean he's looking to continue the conversation while shorter messages might mean he's not interested. Also, look at how consistently he responds quickly.

People feel more connected to those who respond quickly to them during conversation, according to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The findings revealed that even third-party listeners felt that conversations with faster response times signaled stronger social connection.

A General Rule of Thumb

A text should be answered within a couple of hours when there is not a time restraint. Keep in mind that if someone is working or exercising or basically out in the field, it may take longer for them to respond.

If it has been less than a couple of days then try to not let his lack of contact bother you. There is a good chance he is busy and this is nothing to worry about. Get home from work, put your phone on aeroplane mode and avoid checking your WhatsApp status or social media activity.

The guy may not be texting you every chance he gets free, but he may text you at least once in the day if he likes you. Just remember he has a life, a job, or maybe school and can't always text as often as you may be able to with your life. Just because he doesn't respond right away doesn't mean he's lost interest.

How long is too long to not hear from a guy? ›

Waiting 2–3 days or up to a week before reaching out gives him a chance to text you first once he realizes what he's missing. If you've waited more than a week and still haven't heard back from him, it might be time to move on.

No response isn't always a rejection. Sometimes, people have a perfectly genuine reason for not responding. Before you start to worry too much, bear in mind that they may simply be busy or at work and unable to respond just yet, even if they've managed to sneak a peek at your message.

Double-texting, or messaging two times before someone responds, is viewed as taboo in modern dating. While double-texting can feel bad, therapists say there is no rule for how much you should text. If you feel bad about double-texting, put your phone down and let the other person reply at their own pace.

Being left unopened is the worst. It's like the person didn't bother checking what you wrote to them. Being left on read tells you they were curious enough to read what you wrote but they ignored to reply back. Honestly, both are bad but when you think about being left undelivered it's wayyy worse.

She will test you by not texting back immediately or keeping from initiating a conversation. This is a sign that she wants to see your interest in talking to her. She wants to see if you are trying to reach out to her. Sometimes, she may play hard to get to see if you will stick around.

Spacing out conversations instead of texting all the time can build attraction, especially when first meeting someone. Sending more than 1 followup will not only make you seem desperate, but could also annoy the other person if they don't want to talk.

Close Settings. As a phrase, “dry texting” is relatively recent in the grand scheme of things. It refers to people who reply with one word, or don't carry the conversation and just say things like “lmao” and “wyd” until the receiver wants to tear their hair out in frustration or boredom.

Is a player likely to text you every day? Most players won't text you every day. Players typically don't invest a ton of time into chasing someone—they've got too many girls to go after. Also, a player will usually have enough confidence to ask you out relatively quickly.

However, if your message is left on read for more than eight hours, then it might be time to start panicking.

If you have given them the time to respond (at least 24 hours) and still hear nothing, sending a follow-up text can help clarify things.

Why does he take long to respond but will keep the conversation going? ›

What does this mean? Either he is very busy or not interested in you anymore. If someone considers you important, they will respond irrespective of their busy schedule.

For delivered, a MINIMUM of 24 hours should do the trick. Just do the mature thing and say something to the effect of “I need a cooling off period, let's talk once I'm less angry.” That will acknowledge that you're pissed and let them know to give you some space to cool off.

Don't text anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. Don't be upset if your text doesn't get an immediate response—you can't know for sure when the recipient will read the message. Think of texting as a conversation: If you would respond in the conversation, then respond in the text.

Some people use their cell phone as an alarm clock, while others have a tone that goes off every time a text is received. To avoid waking someone up, don't text too early or late. “The rule is 7am to 9pm, but if you know the person well, you can probably push that range out a little bit,” says Post Senning.

While waiting for 1 – 3 days is definitely good advice. It's not the only way to deal with an unresponsive lady. More important than timing is the content of your text. Say the right thing, and the conversation is back on track.

Often, men take time to open up and respond in such cases. They might be interested in you, but they are simply being cautious and taking the time to respond and reciprocate. You need to be patient with them.

Being left unopened is the worst. It's like the person didn't bother checking what you wrote to them. Being left on read tells you they were curious enough to read what you wrote but they ignored to reply back. Honestly, both are bad but when you think about being left undelivered it's wayyy worse.

An effective way of breaking a bad habit such as waiting for a text message is to become disinterested. There's one thing you must do to achieve it: be curious. Once you feel the overwhelming desire to look at your phone, stop for a second and observe every sensation and emotion you are feeling at the moment.