Why I can’t text my parents.

Millennials. Who understands what goes on in their little heads? I went to talk with some of them to find out. In this case, I asked them why it takes so long, and sometimes never, for them to respond to text messages sent to them by their parents, aunts, uncles and whatever. Here's what they had to say…

1. I’m genuinely sorry I missed your message, but if it was urgent, you’d call. If someone was dreadfully sick, or you needed me to drive you home, you’d call. It’s that simple.

2. Despite what you may think my phone is actually not attached to my body at all times. My head will not actually explode if I leave my phone in another room while

I make dinner, shower or sleep.

3. My phone is old. Really old. These things aren’t built to last, and I don’t have a job, so I’m not buying a new one. If I see the message come in, I’m on top of that. If my phone sabotages me, it’s not my fault. I feel bad if I miss your message. I’m still human, you know.

4. Did you ever ask me how much contact I want? I'm an adult now. Some distance is healthy.

5. I don’t respond to loaded or leading questions. Things like, “Do you think your boxes in my basement are going to grow legs and walk to your place themselves?” and “You didn’t think you had to look for work every weekday, did you?” are designed to make me feel bad and I’m not falling into that trap. I’ll make you a deal – You fix the economy and I’ll do my part in the world of the gainfully employed.

I know what you’re thinking Boomers and Gen X. You want them to respond to immediately no matter what because that’s what we would have done because that’s how we were raised. Face it. You have no boundaries and they do.

Photo Credit: Marilyn Cornwell, marilyncornwell.com