Phone bombing on birthdays and holidays?

[unicorn]

Do any of you get bombarded by texts on holidays and on your birthday? These often come from longstanding but not frequently communicative friends, and often at times (evening) when one might be expected to be entertaining family or close friends. I understand the birthday texts more than the holiday ones, which I'd hope would at least come earlier in the day. I feel obligated to provide at least a brief response, but I would really prefer they send e-mails (or a holiday/birthday card). 

[Riobard]

Happy belated something or other! 

[unicorn]

15 minutes ago, Riobard said:

Happy belated something or other! 

Thanksgiving.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, unicorn said:

Do any of you get bombarded by texts on holidays and on your birthday? 

I do , but since I don't feel the need to respond to every text or message immediately and reach out for  the phone every time it rings I respond whenever I feel like.

When I'm entertaining people at my place I make sure computer is turned off and phone is on the desk in the bedroom, not in my ppocket or God forbid, on the table

[bkkmfj2648]

3 hours ago, unicorn said:

Do any of you get bombarded by texts on holidays and on your birthday?

YES - but I believe that these are a response to various social media platforms that push-out reminders about when our birthdays are to our contact lists - and consequently, people that we never hear from feel the need to reply to their social media feed that has reminded them that it is my birthday.

Consequently, I don't like these - as they feel fake and artificial and when possible I try to disable the birthdate data element in my various social media profiles to avoid that these companies send push messages on my behalf to my contact list.

I much prefer to get very few real "Happy Birthday" messages that originated from people with sincere intentions (as opposed to feeling that it is an obligation due to a social media automated push message).  And often, my BEST "Happy Birthday" messages are those that are late - days or weeks after the occasion, as those messages seem to be the most genuine and from the heart.

[unicorn]

Ooh. Those social media platforms are even worse than the texted wishes. I had my real birthday on Facebook, and received tons of messages on my FB page, so I changed the birthday to January 1st, and received all of these messages on New Year's now. At least those who text me know when my birthday is. Of course, I have my phone silenced during the Thanksgiving meal itself, but there is some time before the meal, preparing and entertaining. I guess I should ignore those as well, or at least wait until the guests have left. A message sent before 5 PM my time is understandable, but why text someone when one can surmise he's likely to be at a function?

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, unicorn said:

........ but why text someone when one can surmise he's likely to be at a function?

because we  can assume he is not a smartphone maniac and will read our message whenever he will have time or when he feels like.

I don't get your problem with texting at all, just let them accumulate.

But I fully understand the same concern about calling - placing a call when we can assume person is at function or busy setting place for a function later on is insensitive indeed. 

[Keithambrose]

10 hours ago, vinapu said:

because we  can assume he is not a smartphone maniac and will read our message whenever he will have time or when he feels like.

I don't get your problem with texting at all, just let them accumulate.

But I fully understand the same concern about calling - placing a call when we can assume person is at function or busy setting place for a function later on is insensitive indeed. 

I always put a false date in, and don't get concerned!

[unicorn]

19 hours ago, vinapu said:

...

I don't get your problem with texting at all, just let them accumulate.

...

Texting can become somewhat of a mess when they accumulate for hours and hours. If the communication isn't urgent, I prefer an e-mail. Sometimes a text can be something important and time-sensitive. For example, one of my credit cards texted me last Tuesday to ask if I OK'd a charge by the Almar Resort, where I'll be staying in Puerto Vallarta next week. I didn't answer because I was watching that Wicked movie, and had silenced the phone. Once I got back, I had to e-mail the resort and have them put the charge through the next day, because the credit card cancelled the charge. Not a big deal, but I try to attend to my texts if I'm not having a meal, watching a movie or play, or otherwise indisposed. While there are people who text when they should really be e-mailing, I try to give people the benefit of the doubt (also could be a friend who's in trouble and needs my help). 

[Mavica]

On 11/29/2024 at 7:32 PM, unicorn said:

Do any of you get bombarded by texts on holidays and on your birthday? These often come from longstanding but not frequently communicative friends, and often at times (evening) when one might be expected to be entertaining family or close friends. I understand the birthday texts more than the holiday ones, which I'd hope would at least come earlier in the day. I feel obligated to provide at least a brief response, but I would really prefer they send e-mails (or a holiday/birthday card). 

I send many holiday greeting texts, and some birthday greetings.  I do this between 9 a.m. and Noon.  I also receive similar greetings.  😁

[unicorn]

1 hour ago, Mavica said:

I send many holiday greeting texts, and some birthday greetings.  I do this between 9 a.m. and Noon.  I also receive similar greetings.  😁

Yes, this seems like the most appropriate time! 😀