It's understandable that you might feel confused or hurt by your friend's behavior, especially if she has a reputation for being emotionally unavailable. However, it's essential not to jump to conclusions without considering other possibilities.
Here are a few potential reasons for her behavior:
Busy or Distracted: Your friend might be preoccupied with other tasks, work, or personal issues that make it challenging for her to respond promptly. People have different communication habits, and some might take longer to reply to messages.
Communication Style: Some individuals prefer to take breaks between responses to gather their thoughts or engage in other activities. This behavior doesn't necessarily reflect their feelings about you; it's merely their communication style.
Emotional Unavailability: As you mentioned, your friend has a reputation for being emotionally unavailable. This behavior might be a reflection of her difficulty in connecting with others on a deeper emotional level, rather than a reflection of how she feels about you specifically.
Avoidance of Conflict: Your friend might be avoiding deeper conversations or emotional intimacy, leading her to reply sporadically to maintain a certain distance.
Communication Overwhelm: Sometimes, people feel overwhelmed by constant communication and prefer to take breaks to recharge.
Insecurity: Your friend might have her reasons for taking time to reply, such as overthinking her responses or feeling insecure about her communication skills.
It's important not to automatically assume that you are unimportant to your friend based solely on response times. However, if you consistently feel neglected, undervalued, or emotionally unsupported in the friendship, it's essential to address these feelings with your friend.
Consider having an open and honest conversation with her about your concerns. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, as it may be difficult for her to discuss her emotional availability. Try to express how you feel without placing blame and ask her about her perspective on the matter. This conversation can help both of you gain a better understanding of each other's needs and potentially improve your friendship.
Remember that friendships, like any relationship, require effort and communication from both parties. If your friend is not willing to address your concerns or make an effort to change her behavior, it might be worth evaluating whether this friendship is meeting your emotional needs. Healthy friendships should be a source of support and fulfillment for both individuals involved.