After more than a day has passed, you can reach out and check in.
Try not to make the post directly targeted at them. That can make things awkward. Keep the post positive, too, so you don’t guilt the person into responding. For example, if you texted them about going on a hike, don’t post, “I wish someone would go on a hike with me. 😢” Instead, post something like, “I can’t wait for the next hike I go on! 😍”
For example, “Wow, you’re texting back too fast! I can barely keep up. 😂” Alternatively, try, “You must be so popular if you don’t have time to text me back! 😱” If you realize your last text was a little dull, you could acknowledge it and tease yourself to show the other person you don’t take yourself too seriously. Adjust what you say depending on how sensitive the other person is compared to your own sense of humor.
For example, if your last text was, “What are you doing on Friday?” follow up with, “I just saw the craziest video and have to send it to you. ” If they respond this time, it means they still want to talk. They might even bring up leaving your last text on read themself. It’s worth it to look back at whether your last text even needed a response![5] X Research source
Because some people can be turned off by up-frontness, you might not want to do this to someone you just met. Be gentle but direct with your wording. For example, try, “Hey, is there a reason you didn’t respond?”
Reserve this conversation for someone you really trust with your feelings. You can’t put the blame on them for not understanding your expectations when you haven’t talked about them before! For example, try starting this conversation with, “It hurts my feelings when I’m left on read. ” Alternatively, try, “I feel like you’re ignoring me. Can we talk?”
It can be difficult to determine when this is the case, but sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry. You could use this opportunity to show them that you’re there for them if they need to talk about something serious. For example, give them a generous, “Thinking of you. Hope you’re doing ok. ” Alternatively, try, “Hey, I noticed you haven’t responded. If there’s something going on, I’m here for you. ”
In general, try not to text more than 2 lines at a time. If you don’t have a strong relationship with this person, try matching the amount they text. This will give you as much leverage as they think they have. [10] X Research source
You could also not even give them one last text. Just give them radio silence until they decide to reach out. If you know it isn’t your fault that they’re not responding, stand firm in your belief that you deserve a response! For example, try, “This is the last attempt I’m going to make to reach out to you. For real. ”
It’s healthier to get invested in friends and hobbies than wallowing in front of a TV screen or on social media!
This is especially significant if this is someone you just started talking to. You might not want to give up on an established relationship over being left on read. That being said, do you want to maintain a relationship if this person continually ghosts you?[14] X Research source
Again, this is especially important to consider if you barely have a relationship with this person in the first place!
