Sadly, I agree. However, it's due to our instant communications we have now. We sent a text and start tapping our shoe and expect a reply ... now! If they don't reply, we worry, ask-around, assume, etc.

I remember writing letters. On paper. And mailing them to my girlfriend back in college in the 80s. It was a very special thing for us to do. Our daily letter. Then the rest of the day was spent on school, friends, hobbies, etc. Today, if we're not available morning to night to answer texts or phone vmails - we're feeling left out. These are similar feelings when people started using voice-mails on telephones way-back. "I left him a message and haven't heard back in a day - is he ignoring me?".

For my son's sake - I have to try to convince him that he doesn't need to be attached to his phone from morning to night. He's just turned 14 and I "caved in" and got him a cell phone after my wife said "all the kids are using them". I feel that I need to help him understand that some of the hours of the day actually have to be his. I just see it becoming an addiction. And it's only been 3-weeks since he got it.

Sorry, I digressed. People who don't reply may be busy so don't worry about it. What I would suggest, though is to try a "me day". Leave your electrical equipment at home and go do something. Alone. Without communications. Try a nice hike in the woods or a movie and dinner out. Go with a friend and spend one on one time rather than "me and everyone else connected" time. You will find it hard at first but then you could end up learning to love the most important person of all - yourself - even more. You do need more "me" time if people replying to your texts is as emotional as you may be saying it is.