How long before texting back

Should you respond right away? Can you wait a bit? When do you cross the line into rudeness? Texting is a topic that etiquette experts Elaine Swann and Diane Gottsman are asked about frequently. Or they may not have their phone. Both say the appropriate response time depends on what the text is about. 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. What to do if you experience harassment on dating apps. But if you've dated someone for multiple months or a year, you should generally text each other back within the hour that you see the message. When it comes to modern romance and texting, Post Senning says to present yourself as considerate, respectful, and honest.

In the end, Post Senning also reminds us to not take things too seriously. Just go for it — text them back. For you.

World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts. All things considered, I try to answer as quickly as possible. So, if I'm holding my phone and it's someone I actually don't mind talking to, my replies will be instant. If not, then who knows when I'll reply. My life doesn't revolve around my phone.

I don't always run around with a phone. If I just started talking to a girl, I might wait minutes so I don't seem overly eager. But in a relationship usually pretty quickly. If it's someone I'm dating or something I usually leave around 10 minutes between receiving the message and reading and answering.

In my experience, if I always reply immediately when I receive a message, they lose interest because I come off as needy or something? Since I've learned to 'contain' myself and almost always wait a few minutes before replying, the other person's interest doesn't fade nearly as quickly anymore. Now, only when I'm in a relationship with someone do I reply immediately when I see it. If it's someone who usually spreads drama Got it three days ago.

If I'm in the shower or something then like 15 or so mins later.