Ignoring someone who texts you but never responds to an actual call can be a challenging situation to navigate, as it involves balancing politeness and setting boundaries. Here are some etiquette considerations to keep in mind:
Be Patient: Give the person the benefit of the doubt initially. Sometimes, people may have genuine reasons for not picking up calls immediately, such as being busy or having technical difficulties. Give them some time to respond.
Respect Their Communication Preferences: People have different communication preferences, and some might prefer texting over calls. If they are more comfortable with texting, it's best to respect that.
Limit Your Attempts: If you have tried calling a few times without a response, it's advisable not to overdo it. Repeatedly calling without a response can come across as intrusive or pushy.
Use Text to Inquire: If you genuinely need to reach them for something important or time-sensitive, send a text message expressing your concern and asking if they can call you back when convenient.
Avoid Passive Aggressive Behavior: Resist the temptation to respond to their texts in a passive-aggressive manner, such as ignoring their messages in retaliation. This could escalate the situation and lead to unnecessary tension.
Assess the Relationship: Consider the nature of your relationship with the person. If they are a close friend or family member, you might have more leeway to discuss the communication issue directly. For more distant acquaintances, it may be best to let it go or communicate indirectly.
Communicate Openly (If Appropriate): If you have a close relationship with the person and feel comfortable addressing the communication discrepancy, have an open and non-confrontational conversation about it. Share your feelings and concerns honestly, but avoid being accusatory.
Set Boundaries: If the lack of response becomes a pattern and you find it bothersome, consider setting personal boundaries for yourself. You may decide to limit your communication efforts or adjust your expectations accordingly.
Focus on Positive Interactions: If the lack of response is causing frustration or negative feelings, shift your focus to positive interactions with other people who do reciprocate your efforts.
Move On: Ultimately, you cannot force someone to respond or change their communication habits. If the lack of response becomes a consistent issue and it bothers you, it may be best to accept it and focus on other relationships that are more responsive and fulfilling.
Remember that every situation is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to handling communication issues. Trust your instincts and consider the specific dynamics of your relationship with the person in question as you decide how to proceed.