From Slate Magazine · Susan Shapiro · · 50s
Email Etiquette Tip for Calm Responses
Wait eight hours before replying to angry emails to get what you want.
In brief
Wait eight hours before replying to angry emails to get what you want. Waiting eight hours before sending emails helps resolve conflicts and achieve goals without reacting emotionally. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Angry Email to Insurance
I wrote an angry email to my insurance company about denied medical tests.
“Listen you corrupt clowns, I already sent you the forms you requested five times so this is obviously just a typical ruse to get out of paying”
Therapist's Advice
My therapist suggested waiting eight hours before sending emails to process information and calm down.
“Draft a response, and then wait eight hours before sending it”
Insurance Response
The insurance company reimbursed me completely after I sent a calm email.
“Thank you so much for your help with this complicated matter”
Ex-Boyfriend Loan Request
An ex-boyfriend emailed me asking for $4,000 to help a Russian woman cover her son's tuition.
“He needed money because a Russian woman he was involved with couldn't afford the tuition for her son”
Refusal to Loan Money
I refused to loan the money after learning about the Russian woman's situation.
“What a scam. I told him so, refusing to comply and letting him know he shouldn't be giving away money he needed to borrow”
The short version
Waiting eight hours before sending emails helps resolve conflicts and achieve goals without reacting emotionally.
