So, you’ve got an invite sitting in your inbox or WhatsApp. Maybe it’s a work meeting (yawn), a dinner plan with that chatty friend, or a family gathering that’s 90% relatives you’d rather avoid. You skim through the details, think, “I’ll get back to this,” and then...you don’t. Instead, you let it marinate in silence, like that half-eaten pizza you keep promising to finish. Spoiler alert: both are going stale.

We’ve all played the “maybe” game. You’re waiting to see if something better comes along—because nothing says FOMO like committing too early, right? Or maybe you’re just not in the mood to decide. How can you possibly predict your energy levels three days from now? The struggle is real. But here’s the thing: while you’re busy being indecisive, the person on the other end is waiting. And waiting. And eventually, they just start guessing. Spoiler: they’re guessing wrong.

Then there’s the casual non-reply. You’re not intentionally ignoring the RSVP; it just doesn’t feel urgent. The invite isn’t going anywhere, so you’ll respond… eventually. Except “eventually” turns into “never,” and now you’ve accidentally ghosted your own plans. You know, the ones you might’ve actually wanted to attend if only you’d bothered to respond.

But here’s the kicker: Not responding isn’t just lazy; it’s borderline rude. It’s like someone asks you a question, and instead of answering, you just stare blankly at them until they awkwardly walk away. Ouch.

Silence isn’t just awkward; it’s downright frustrating. Whether it’s a yes, no, or even a maybe if you’re feeling non-committal, any response is better than radio silence. Imagine planning a party and not knowing if you’re setting the table for 2 or 20. Or booking a meeting room not knowing if you need a cozy corner or the grand hall. Your silence turns their planning into a wild guessing game—and guess what? Nobody wins.

So here’s the deal: The next time an invite hits your inbox or chat, do everyone a favor and just respond. Seriously, it takes less time than deciding which filter to use on your latest Instagram post. Whether it’s a quick yes, a firm no, or a maybe if you’re truly torn, just say something. Don’t be that person who leaves others hanging. It’s not cool, it’s not cute, and it’s definitely not the vibe we’re going for.

At the end of the day, silence might be golden in meditation, but when it comes to RSVPs, it’s just plain irritating.