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.
A study from the dating app Hinge shows that double-texting can increase a date's likelihood to respond. The key is to wait four hours before the second text. Sending a second text even a week later increased the likelihood of a response.
It is easy to wonder, should I text him back after he ignored me? Yes, he ignored you, which is hurtful enough. But don't return the favor if you still hope to build something out of the relationship. Playing mind games or ignoring his texts could backfire and ruin your chance of coming together.
You shouldn't ignore a text from a friend or family member. Example: "Hi honey, it's your mom. I love you!" Sure, it's not strictly necessary, but just say "hi" back. Maybe if the text is begging for a response, we should generally assume that a reply is required.
Sure, it's polite and respectful to respond to messages and answer questions as soon as possible, but taking a few hours — or even days — to do so doesn't always mean someone is actively trying to be rude or disrespectful toward you.
I'm worried” This is the foremost thing to ask that person if they haven't been replying to you. Asking them about their current state of mind will let them know that you're eager to talk to them, no matter the situation. You would be surprised how much this simple question can affect people.
“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'.
Psychologically speaking, there could be a number of things going on: They could be stressed and not able to think through a response right now. They may simply not know what to say. They could be thinking deeply about what to say and how to respond, as they believe you deserve that. They may need some space.
While you may know, rationally, that there are plenty of good reasons for someone not to respond to a text or an email—they're busy, they haven't seen the message yet, they're thinking about what they want to say—it doesn't always feel that way in a society where everyone seems to be on their smartphone all the time.
The silent treatment, or stonewalling, is a passive-aggressive form of manipulation and can be considered emotional abuse. It is a way to control another person by withholding communication, refusing to talk, or ignoring the person.
Giving someone silent treatment is a form of manipulation. The silent treatment can be used to modify behavior. Being ignored has a huge effect on a person's mental state, so they're willing to do nearly anything to regain the manipulator's attention.
Try not to overreact
Yes, being ignored hurts, but remember that the individual ignoring you may be trying to achieve exactly that. Don't give them the satisfaction.
A week gives the person enough time to thoughtfully respond.
It may feel like a long time waiting for them to reach out, but keep your hopes up that they'll text you back. They could realize that they miss talking with you and send a message.
Call out the behavior.
If you feel like your guy is ignoring you, try speaking up about it. Colby Marie Z., a sex and relationship coach, suggests saying something like, “You've seemed really distant the past couple of weeks—you haven't been calling as often and only answer texts with one or two words.
Caption Options. 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.
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.
Mark the message “URGENT.”
People are more likely to respond once they understand it is a serious matter. Alternatively, if it's a more casual subject (but you'd still like to hear back as soon as possible), try prefacing the message with something like “Quick!” or "Alert!”
It can cause emotional trauma.
A person who is ignored feels a wide range of confusing emotions. They may feel anger, sadness, frustration, guilt, despair, and loneliness, all at once. Naturally, such emotional confusion can have a damaging effect on your psyche.
'No Response' Response Could Mean “I'm Just Not Interested” This is probably the toughest meaning of the 'no response' response.
He needs validation. He might be feeling lonely and/or wants attention. Or he wants to make sure that he still “got it” meaning he wants to confirm that he still has access to you.
If that felt like a personal call-out, you're not alone. It's a common ADHD experience that I call 'involuntary ghosting' - a phenomenon that describes the disappearing act that happens when ADHDers forget to respond to texts.