Dear Jacquelyn,

I find myself yearning for the old days of just having a landline telephone. My family and friends text and email all hours of the day. I don’t keep my cell phone with me all the time and I’m not always online. Everyone seems to want an immediate response. Are there rules for response time so as not to offend anyone?

Dear Reader, It seems the good, old-fashioned telephone call has gone by the wayside.

Although fast, email and texting bring about their own set of challenges.

It’s understandable being bombarded with texts and emails leaves you wondering how to handle all the correspondence. There is an uncomfortable nagging feeling that you should responded instantly.

It’s important for you to adopt some strategies that help curtail communication overload. You don’t have to be rude, but you do want to get your point across.

Begin by being honest and setting clear boundaries. Setting boundaries takes a degree of bravery. It’s necessary to maintain peace of mind, maintain good relationships, and avoid hurt feelings.

It’s time for some heart-to-heart discussions with family and friends. Make them aware that you do not keep your cell phone on you 24-7 and you are not constantly logged onto the Internet.

This lets them know you are not intentionally ignoring them. If you prefer phone calls or talking in person, let them know.

In a world where the expected response time is getting shorter, managing your communication is just as important as managing your personal space.

It’s alright to ignore the pressure to respond immediately. Typically, response-time rules vary depending on who is trying to reach you.

Assuming you set some ground rules, it’s reasonable to respond to personal emails within 48 hours.

Text messages come with added layer of pressure. The sender expects an immediate response. For non-emergencies, you have the liberty of replying when your schedule permits. If it’s urgent, or if there is a real emergency, a phone call is the appropriate form of communication. Otherwise, it can wait.

There’s no reason for others to confuse your honesty with rudeness. Be honest, have boundaries, and be very clear concerning the boundaries.

Respectfully Yours, Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2019 Jacquelyn Youst