why is my friend ignoring me

I knew what would happen. If I hit send, I’d probably get a response three days from now—if at all.

For someone who could go weeks in silence, it’s strange to care so much. But I learned that if I didn’t make an effort, the silence stretched too far. So I’d gotten into the habit: send a message, check in, set something up, even when it felt forced. It was supposed to help. It did, sometimes. Except with these friends.

Sometimes I’d scroll through my messages and see the last thing I’d sent, hanging there unanswered. I’d tell myself, don’t be dramatic, people get busy, maybe they forgot. But it kept happening. I’d check my phone out of habit, see the blank space where their reply should be, close the app, and try not to think about it. Still nothing.

It’s not that I want constant attention. I’m not that person. Most days, I’m content on my own. But it’s 2024. Everyone has a phone glued to their hand.

After a while, I started noticing the pattern. What’s the point? I know how this goes.

Now, when I think about inviting them to do something, I don’t. I don’t want to cut anyone off. I just don’t want to keep feeling like this—like I’m the only one making the effort, like I’m shouting into a void.