Ok team, a friend called an hour ago and left a message, instead of listening to the message I called her back. I begin the usual line of questions like, what up?
She replied, did you listen to your message?
I said no and she wasn't happy.
I believe with friends you can go either way (listen or call back)and for professional issues you should listen to messages first.
What do you think???
What's the correct ettiquette?
Would it be the same for a friend or client?
2007-07-29 13:25:28 · 17 answers · asked by true_value5 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I don't think it should make a difference. People are too damn sensitive these days
2007-07-29 13:38:55 · answer #1 · answered by behindthesmile22 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would always listen to the message first; it'd save a lot of time. If it was about something that had already passed ('do you want to come along to the store, we're leaving in 15 minutes'), or something that doesn't really require a direct response (for example a heads-up for a tv program, I'd just say how I liked it when I saw her the next day) you wouldn't have to call back and disturb the person at all. If it is about something you need to look up, for example to make an appointment, you can already grab your appointment calendar so you have it ready, instead of calling her back and then having to go look for it while she's waiting.
I would always see if the call-back is needed and only call if that is indeed the case... I'd hope others do the same for me... I dislike calls so I'd be really annoyed if someone called me if I had already explained everything needed in the voicemail. (Dunno why, but Murphy lives in my phone line... it always rings when I'm on the loo or in the shower, never when I'm just sitting around doing nothing).
2007-07-30 11:40:15 · answer #2 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm all about trying tosave a little cash where I can so I always listen to the message - it may mean you don't have tocall back at all!
It does bug me when I leave a message for my husband along the lines of "Hi hon, when you get home can you please grab the washing off the line because I'll be late & it will be damp again by the time I get in. Oh, & I'll pick us up some dinner on the way home." then 5 minutes later I get the call from him "Hi babe, what's up?".....
Not only has he wasted money calling me back for the exact same information but he has wasted time which could potentially make me later at work still!!!!!
2007-07-29 14:21:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There have been many times when I have left a message for someone and they called me without listening to it. I think it is petty to get all bent out of shape over it.
I don't think that this has anything to do with etiquette. It has nothing to do with manners either. If someone is so sensitive that they get stupid over something so small as someone not listening to their message before calling them, that person wouldn't remain a friend of mine for very long, and here's why: I don't allow people to put expectations on me of how to behave. If they don't like me the way I am, they can hit the road and not let the door hit them in the a** when they leave. Period. . . . end of it. It's that simple. Take me as I am, or beat it.
2007-07-29 13:35:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably be better if you listened to the message, seeing they took the time to leave it for you. Otherwise the message could have just been, "Hi this is....! Call me back!"
It just shows a little bit of care and concern that is not evident with an immediate call. I wouldn't get too bent out of shape one way or the other though, really.
2007-07-29 13:31:21 · answer #5 · answered by Goddess of Laundry 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hate leaving and listening to my messages. It's such a complete waste of time. If I see that someone called I will call them back when I have time. I know it may not be the most polite thing to do, but I hate wasting my time listening to a message and then having to call the person back to listen to the same thing over again.
2007-07-29 15:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by Not quite perfect 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I have just missed the call within the past five or ten minutes, I will just call back family and friends w/o listening to the message. If it is anything else, I will listen to the message.
2007-07-29 14:50:08 · answer #7 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, seeing as your friend was mad about it, with that specific friend, it would be a good idea to listen to the message before you call them back. In my opinion, I would say, just to listen to the message, just in case. It is better that way, I mean, if you listen to the message, what's the worst that can happen? So, to all people that bother to leave a message, just bother to listen to it.
2007-07-29 13:31:01 · answer #8 · answered by Nicole G 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree somewhat that it depends upon the person and the circumstance. But I generally always try to listen to the message first. I know I get upset if I ask my boyfriend a question in a message, or let him know details to plans we had and he calls me asking questions, when he should have just listened to the message I left him! Haha, sorry, a little venting.. listen to your messages! If they weren't important people wouldn't leave them!
2007-07-29 13:48:25 · answer #9 · answered by amy kate 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are a professional it's good to listen to the message. I never listen to mine and I never call back.
2007-07-30 04:31:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With anyone, you should listen to the whole message. You never know what they could've said. And it only takes an extra couple of minutes out of your life. Especially with girls, friends or not.
2007-07-29 13:53:01 · answer #11 · answered by Chelsea Pong 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋