The New Etiquette

Is there a Miss Manners for this new world we’re in? Someone to guide us as to the proper waiting time before answering e-mails? Texts? Facebook messages? Do you need to thank all the people who wished you a Facebook “Happy birthday!?” Is there a proper word limit for a Facebook post? Is it okay to answer people with emoji’s only? How many comments on a group WhatsAp post is considered so many that you feel you need to leave the group? Etc. I see a little book in the future, either serious or funny or both. But I’m not going to write it. You can take the idea and run with it (and thank me in the acknowledgements— I believe that’s the proper etiquette!).

 

This is on my mind as I’m presently waiting for some 10 people to respond to e-mails with requests that are somewhat time-sensitive. I notice these days that one of the things I learn both about people I already know and people I’m doing business with is their habit of response. As a one or two- day responder, I find myself impatient with people who let things drag on. Once I know their rhythm, I can lower my expectations, but still find myself annoyed while waiting to hear. 

 

The world may be in tumultuous upheaval, but that’s no excuse for making me wait to hear whether you’re available to go to a Jazz Concert on November 29^th because I need to buy tickets soon! Miss Manners, please weigh in!