The Art of Communication: Why Ghosting and One-Word Replies Are Just Plain Rude




Dear Reader, I hope you are communicating well with your loved ones and the people around you. Communication is the backbone of human interaction. It’s what makes us connect, solve problems, and avoid turning minor misunderstandings into full-blown disasters. Yet, in an age where we can send a message across the globe in seconds, some people still struggle with basic communication etiquette. You know the type—the ones who respond to a well-thought-out message with “k” or vanish for weeks only to reappear like nothing happened. So, let’s talk about how poor communication isn’t just frustrating—it’s downright disrespectful and, frankly, avoidable.


The Epidemic of Non-Responses and Delayed Replies


Once upon a time, if someone knocked on your door, ignoring them would be considered rude. Fast forward to today, and ignoring messages or calls for days (or forever) has somehow become socially acceptable. But why? If you’re busy, that’s understandable—but a simple “Hey, I’ll get back to you later” takes seconds to type. Leaving people hanging isn’t mysterious or cool; it’s dismissive and inconsiderate.


Imagine applying this to real life:


• You walk up to a friend, say “Hey, how’s it going?” and they just stare at you for a week before mumbling, “Fine.” Awkward, right?


• You call someone, and instead of letting you know they’re occupied, they just let it ring endlessly, leaving you wondering if they’ve disappeared off the face of the earth.


• You ask a co-worker for an urgent update, and they reply a month later with “Oh, yeah, I meant to respond.”


• Poor digital communication is the equivalent of a blank stare in a conversation. It makes others feel unimportant, undervalued, and downright frustrated.


The Tragedy of One-Word Replies


• If someone takes the time to send you a thoughtful message, responding with “ok,” “k,” or “lol” is like serving a five-course meal only for the guest to take one bite and walk away. Conversations should be two-sided, not a string of lackluster grunts.


• While one-word replies might feel efficient to you, they can come across as dismissive, uninterested, or even passive-aggressive to the other person. If you’re busy, it’s okay to keep it short—but make it meaningful: “Sounds great! Let’s talk more about it later.” That tiny extra effort makes all the difference.


Excuses, Excuses, Excuses


• People often have a laundry list of reasons for their poor communication habits:


•  “I forgot.” – We forget to water plants, not respond to humans.


•  “I was busy.” – We’re all busy, but respect doesn’t take much time.


•  “I’m not good at texting.” – You don’t have to be a poet, just a considerate human being.


•  “I didn’t know what to say.” – Even a simple “I’ll get back to you” keeps the conversation open.


If communication isn’t your strong suit, own it, but don’t leave people in limbo. A quick acknowledgment message is far better than radio silence.


How to Be a Better Communicator


• Acknowledge the Message – Even if you’re swamped, a quick “Got it! Will reply later” goes a long way.


• Don’t Leave People Hanging – If someone is expecting a response, be courteous enough to provide one.


• Give Thoughtful Replies – A conversation should flow. If someone writes a paragraph, don’t reply with an emoji.


• Respect People’s Time – If you don’t want to continue a conversation, politely wrap it up instead of ghosting.


• Use Proper Language – Texting shorthand is fine in casual chats, but if you’re always responding like a caveman, people will eventually stop trying.


• Understand Tone Matters – Without facial expressions and tone of voice, messages can easily be misinterpreted. Choose your words wisely.


• Don’t Play the Waiting Game – If both parties keep delaying responses, the conversation dies. Be proactive in keeping the connection alive.


The Bottom Line


• Communication is a fundamental sign of respect. Ignoring messages, answering like a robot, or making people wait weeks for a response sends a clear signal—you don’t value their time. If someone reaches out to you, it’s because they value your thoughts, input, or presence in their life. Leaving them on read (or worse, outright ignoring them) is equivalent to saying, “You don’t matter.”


• At the end of the day, we all want to be heard, understood, and respected. Good communication isn’t about crafting the perfect response—it’s about acknowledging others in a way that makes them feel seen. And honestly, that’s not too much to ask, is it?

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