There's no hard and fast rule for how long you should wait to text someone back, as it depends on the specific situation and your communication style. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:
Context matters: Consider the context of your previous conversation. If it was an urgent or time-sensitive matter, it's best to respond as soon as possible. On the other hand, if it was a casual chat, you might have more flexibility in your response time.
Don't play games: Avoid playing mind games or intentionally waiting to reply just to seem disinterested. It's better to be genuine and respond when you're available and ready to do so.
Be respectful of their time: If the other person tends to respond quickly, it's considerate to reply in a timely manner. On the flip side, if they take their time to respond, you can follow a similar pace.
Personal preference: Some people prefer quick responses, while others are more comfortable with a slower pace of communication. If you're unsure, you can directly ask the person about their communication preferences.
Don't overthink it: It's easy to overanalyze response times, but it's generally healthier to focus on the quality of the conversation rather than the timing.
Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between being responsive and not overwhelming the other person. If you receive a text, and you're available to respond, there's no harm in doing so promptly. However, if you're busy or need some time to craft a thoughtful response, it's acceptable to take a little longer. Communication should feel natural and not constrained by arbitrary rules.