The latter requires effort. That effort is the currency of love and friendship. In a study conducted by the University of British Columbia, researchers found that people significantly underestimated how much a simple check-in text would be appreciated. Participants assumed friends would feel awkward or burdened, but the recipients almost universally reported feeling "gratitude" and "deep affection."
Notice the phrase "No need to reply." This is crucial. By removing the obligation to respond, you give the receiver a pure gift. If they are depressed, anxious, or busy, they don't feel the weight of having to perform conversation. They can simply smile and put the phone down.
Read this article, and then put the phone down. Wait five minutes. Think.
As with any tool, this phrase can be misused. It is important to recognize the red flags.
The latter requires effort. That effort is the currency of love and friendship. In a study conducted by the University of British Columbia, researchers found that people significantly underestimated how much a simple check-in text would be appreciated. Participants assumed friends would feel awkward or burdened, but the recipients almost universally reported feeling "gratitude" and "deep affection."
Notice the phrase "No need to reply." This is crucial. By removing the obligation to respond, you give the receiver a pure gift. If they are depressed, anxious, or busy, they don't feel the weight of having to perform conversation. They can simply smile and put the phone down.
Read this article, and then put the phone down. Wait five minutes. Think.
As with any tool, this phrase can be misused. It is important to recognize the red flags.