The art of texting. It’s a delicate balance between being concise and being seen as terse. We’ve all been there – trying to respond quickly and efficiently, only to be met with the dreaded Why do you always respond so briefly?

Handling this situation requires a mix of empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication. Let’s break it down.

Acknowledge their concern
When someone asks why you always respond so briefly, they might be feeling unheard or unvalued. It’s essential to acknowledge their concern and show that you’re willing to listen.

I understand that my short responses might have given you the wrong impression. Can I explain why I’ve been keeping my answers brief lately?

Explain your reasoning
Be honest about why you’ve been keeping your responses short. Are you busy? Trying to avoid misunderstandings over text? Be clear and concise (ironically!).

Honestly, I’ve been trying to keep my responses brief to avoid miscommunication over text. I want to make sure I understand you correctly before responding.

Offer an alternative
If you’re open to changing your communication style, suggest an alternative. This shows that you’re willing to adapt to their needs.

Going forward, would you prefer I respond in more detail over text, or would you rather we schedule a call to discuss things more thoroughly?

Set boundaries (if needed)
If you’re not willing or able to change your communication style, it’s essential to set boundaries. Be firm but polite.

I understand where you’re coming from, but I need to keep my responses brief due to my schedule. Let’s schedule a call if you’d like to discuss something in more detail.

Avoid being defensive
It’s natural to feel defensive when someone questions your communication style. However, getting defensive can escalate the situation. Stay calm and focus on finding a solution.

I appreciate your feedback. Let’s find a way to communicate that works for both of us.

Practice active listening
Make an effort to understand the other person’s perspective. Repeat back what you’ve understood from their message to ensure you’re on the same page.

Just to make sure I understand, you feel that my brief responses might be coming across as insensitive or dismissive?

Additional example responses:

I’ve been trying to prioritize my responses to focus on the most important topics. Can I help with anything specific?

My apologies if my brief responses came across as abrupt. Can we start fresh and discuss what’s on your mind?

I appreciate your honesty. Let’s find a way to communicate that works for both of us. Maybe we can schedule a weekly call to catch up?

I understand that my responses might have seemed curt. Going forward, I’ll make an effort to be more detailed in my responses.

Can you help me understand what you’re looking for in a response? I want to make sure I’m meeting your expectations.

I’ve been prioritizing my tasks, and sometimes that means keeping my responses brief. Let’s discuss how we can work together to find a balance.

I’m happy to adjust my communication style to better suit your needs. What would you prefer I focus on in our conversations?

I apologize if my responses came across as brief or unthoughtful. That wasn’t my intention. Can I make it up to you by scheduling a call to discuss things further?

In conclusion, handling the Why do you always respond so briefly? question requires empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication. By acknowledging concerns, explaining your reasoning, offering alternatives, setting boundaries, and practicing active listening, you can turn a potentially negative situation into an opportunity for growth and improved communication.

Be kind ❤