Asynchronous communication is beautiful and humane

I sent a brief note to a friend via a major chat platform a few days ago. More than a day ago, less than a week ago. I have their email address. I have their postal address. At least I think I do.. I have their Bluesky handle. Mastodon too. Might have a Twitter too but screw that platform. I got a reply today! The friend started the reply with an apology. They apologized for the delay in answering. That is polite. Etiquette. But to me? Unnecessary. Asynchrony is beautiful. It’s humane. ASAP is an acronym for “as soon as possible.” It’s the kind of acronym people use when they want to hear back. Me? I want a counter-acronym. Respond if you are able, at your own pace RSYAAAYOP? Catchy. The world is full of pressures, and if I needed a prompt reply I would have indicated that as part of the message. That’s also polite. Good communication is, unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge as a fiftysomething person, impossible. We get it wrong. We mess up. We forget. Live happens. We are…