It took me awhile to come to terms that no one is ever that busy. If you are considered a priority to someone, they will make the time to keep in touch with you in their "busy schedule". With that being said, I understand that we might have our off and hectic days, which is normal. However, using the same excuse every time gets old. We (the people who are putting more effort in) are getting tired of hearing this constant phrase: "I'm sorry, I'm busy tonight" or better yet, no reply at all. The most infuriating thing is when people are dodging your question either in person or text and or are on social media. This makes you not want to ask them to hang out or further the relationship anymore.
The way I like to look at it is simple, if you are considered a priority, you will be kept in the loop. Even if it's just for a few minutes or an hour. For example, if you work from 8am-4pm everydayTh and workout at 7 pm, you have time to arrange plans either before working out or after. What I'm getting at is the simple fact that working out is embedded into your schedule. If you have an hour to work out every day, you have a few minutes to either reply to a text message, say hi to someone really quickly, or go out for a half hour. Essentially, working out is considered a priority to some people. Why isn't building consistent relationships with people who are making an effort a priority? In other words, why do people make lazy excuses and not make up for it?
For myself, I appreciate when someone puts in the effort to communicate with me. The smallest gestures are also much appreciated and remembered. I like putting in the effort if someone did the same for me; essentially the saying, "the phone works both ways" applies to this. Because in their book, I am considered a priority, an important relationship they want to maintain, and someone who puts in the same and equal effort. With that being said, this type of equal relationship contains no passive aggressiveness or game playing. If one of us is simply preoccupied for that time being, we will definitely make it up another day and be on a communicating basis about it.
All in all, it is important that we are upfront with the people around us. If you have something going on, I will understand for that time being. However, it shouldn't be a barrier at all times, because then actions will speak louder than words. I am not required to ask you about your day, ask you how things are, and if you're available to see me at some point. I do all of these things if I want to maintain a relationship- but now I realize that not everyone will put in the same work. There is no such thing as being "too busy," and time management is key.
