A common complain I guess people would have with me is that I don't reply to calls. NEVER EVER!
Am I ignoring you? Nope.
I remember how a friend in grad college once asked, "How did you pick up the phone in the first call?"
That's when I realised I always used to call her back after seeing missed calls from her.
If I pick up a call the first time my phone rings, it's just luck.
Usually, the phone will be ringing and I'll be chilling sitting next to it. It's mostly on silent mode. And if it's not, I'm not around.
Over the years, I've become slow in replying to texts too. (I used to be someone who'd reply to texts almost instantly.)
When I don't reply back to messages, I forget that I received them in the first place. Yes, I FORGET even after reading them and marking them as unread. Budhapa aa raha hai mujhe!
With my phone constantly buzzing - even when it's on silent and all notification sounds are turned off - the giant number of message notifications I receive gets into my head. I wish I could throw away my phone or at least switch off WhatsApp. But I can't.
Making peace with not replying to calls was easy. But I used to feel guilty about not replying to messages on time initially. I used to apologise to people (even my close friends).
And then again I would not reply on time. Feel guilty again. Say sorry again.
An inescapable loop it was.
Recently, I felt my sorry's seemed hollow. So I stopped apologising.
And when I stopped apologising, there was a burden less on my mind.
I have set boundaries and I am learning to respect them.
Of course, there are times when the phone is in my hand and buzzing and I am deliberately not picking up the call or replying to messages.
I need my time and personal space.
I can't be available all the time.
I will reply when I feel I am in the space to. If I don't, I just forgot!
What is your relationship with calls, texts and social media?
Do you feel the urge to reply back to texts immediately? Or do you prefer taking your time?
What is the maximum time you have taken to reply to a call or text?
Do you forget to reply back?
Feel free to share your feelings and thoughts. I'm listening...
Yours
Saumya
Hi! I'm Saumya - a journalist, blogger and poet. Souls that Listen is a safe space for all. With Dear You, I hope to share our Dil ki Baatein...Dil se Dil Tak.
If you have any questions, suggestions or requests, feel free to hit the "Reply" button. I would love to hear from you! You can also write to me at soulsthatlisten@gmail.com
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Yes, this happens with me all the time. But I try to get back to everyone on time