Etiquette on returning phone calls is evolving

A reader is frustrated because their friend is not returning phone calls in a timely manner. Initially, the friend would respond within a week, but now they often just text, "I’ll call you back," and don't follow up at all. Miss Manners offers insight into the situation. She explains that many people now see phone calls as intrusive. Instead of calling at any time, they prefer to text first to set a time to talk. This shift in communication habits can lead to misunderstandings about the expectations for returning calls. Miss Manners advises against establishing strict rules for call-backs. Instead, it's better to ask friends about their preferred ways to communicate. The reader might consider setting up regular chat times or even meeting in person. Alternatively, they could start exchanging messages electronically, maintaining regular contact without relying solely on phone calls.