Dear Eric: I just can’t come to grips with the new etiquette where you send a direct question or comment to someone (texts mainly, or emails, Messenger, etc.) and the recipient considers it optional to answer or respond.

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It’s apparently enough to reply with a “like” or a smiley face wearing sunglasses.

My communications are important and take thoughtful effort to compose. Like in the old days, you’re supposed to call the person back. I’m not talking about silly status posts on Instagram; this is two-way conversation and so many people interpret a texting response as optional!

Is it just me or is this an epidemic that is killing courtesy and good manners in modern society? What should I do, fire my friends and family? It’s tempting.

– Text Back

Dear Text Back: Well, I

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