Why?

I've had the thought many times over the past few years, but working in an office has really brought it to the forefront: Why do people respond to emails or text messages for which no response is necessary?

An example:

I handle all of our conference rooms. I book them, order the food, set it up in the system, etc. When food is ordered I usually need to request a check from Marie in accounting. This is a simple process: I simply go into Word, then to "firm forms," click "check request" and fill in the highlighted fields. When I've filled in the necessary information I go to "File," "Send to," "Send as attachment." A few hours later I have my check and all is good.

So I go through this process this morning and am happily sitting reading the NY Times when, surprise, I get an email back that says, "ok." Why? Why on Earth would you send that email? I don't need acknowledgement that you got the email. I'll know if you got the email when my check doesn't show up in an hour or so.

Obviously this is not a big deal, but think of it like this: Imagine getting the aforementioned check request email and calling the requester each time to say, "ok." Do you not think this would get old? Would someone not mention to you that this is completely unnecessary?

Another example of a time I find myself scratching my head and asking, why? is when I send certain text messages. I may be running out of the building and send a quick text to say, "I'm on my way." Now, when someone responds, "Ok see you soon," I can only think what a waste of money (especially if you don't have a text plan). If you needed to say something like, "Don't bother, we've already missed our reservations," or "Why don't we meet half-way instead?" I understand the response. If I send a flirty text to D just to say "thinking of you" or something equally lame, I never expect him to text back, unless he so pleases. Thank god, he lives up to my expectations.

It's just the completely unnecessary emails and texts that get me! I don't need you to acknowledge every email I send, especially if it's just a little link to something I found interesting, or a tip on a great website on which to buy shoes. Just absorb the knowledge, or not, and move on with it. When you can't think of a better response than, "OK," skip the damn response all together.

Another texting pet peeve of mine is the ongoing conversation. Sending someone a text to let them know you are running 15 minutes late or that you'll meet them at the fountain is fine. It's something that takes 30 seconds and doesn't require a response. It's the people who start conducting entire conversations with me by text that start to piss me off. I may text a friend on a Saturday morning because I'm not sure they are awake yet and don't want to be that first phone call. But if they respond (say I've asked what they're up to for the day and they say no plans) I typically call. Any conversation that requires more than 2 back and forth exchanges should be conducted by talking, not texting. The exception being if you are in a place where talking will disturb others (i.e. at your desk at work, on a crowded morning train, at a theater/concert, etc).

So, please, if I send a little message that you can't think of any good response to, don't respond, or call. If I wanted to hear from you and don't I'll pick up the phone and call. But for heaven's sake, please stop filling my inboxes with "Ok" "gotcha" "word" "fine" and all the like.

Thank you.