Blame Me for Being Concerned
Listen to the Audio:
It’s getting late, and I haven’t heard from my friend all day. Usually, they send at least one message or react to something I post, but today there’s been nothing at all. At first, I tried not to think too much about it. Maybe their phone died. Maybe they’re busy. Maybe they just haven’t checked their messages yet.
But then I remembered that the last time this happened, they promised they would let me know if they were running late or unavailable. That memory made me a little uneasy.
Another hour passed, and still nothing. I found myself pacing around the room, checking my phone every few minutes, and even thinking about calling them—just to make sure everything was okay.
I knew I might be overthinking it, and I didn’t want to come across as controlling or dramatic. I just genuinely felt worried. I tried to balance that feeling with the fact that they’re an adult with their own life, their own schedule, and their own space.
Finally, I decided to send a message—not to accuse them of anything, but to let them know I was concerned. I wrote, “Hey, I don’t want to bother you, but I haven’t heard from you all day. Are you okay? Blame me for being concerned, but I just wanted to check in.”
Now, before I tell you what I decided to do next, here’s the message they sent me.
Friend’s Reply:
Transcript:
It’s getting late, and I haven’t heard from my friend all day. Usually, they send at least one message or react to something I post, but today there’s been nothing at all. At first, I tried not to think too much about it. Maybe their phone died. Maybe they’re busy. Maybe they just haven’t checked their messages yet.
But then I remembered that the last time this happened, they promised they would let me know if they were running late or unavailable. That memory made me a little uneasy.
Another hour passed, and still nothing. I found myself pacing around the room, checking my phone every few minutes, and even thinking about calling them—just to make sure everything was okay.
I knew I might be overthinking it, and I didn’t want to come across as controlling or dramatic. I just genuinely felt worried. I tried to balance that feeling with the fact that they’re an adult with their own life, their own schedule, and their own space.
Finally, I decided to send a message—not to accuse them of anything, but to let them know I was concerned. I wrote, “Hey, I don’t want to bother you, but I haven’t heard from you all day. Are you okay? Blame me for being concerned, but I just wanted to check in.”
Now, before I tell you what I decided to do next, here’s the message they sent me.
Friend’s Texted Reply:
“Aww, thanks for caring. I didn’t mean to worry you—I’ve just been really busy today. I should have let you know. Everything’s fine, I promise. Do you want to catch up later?”
Respond To Each Question:
What emotions lead the speaker to send the message, and how do those emotions build throughout the story?
How does the speaker try to balance concern with respect for their friend’s independence?
What does the phrase “blame me for being concerned” reveal about the speaker’s personality and relationship with their friend?
When you worry about someone, how do you decide whether to check in or wait?
How would you respond to this situation?
