We all like it when people reply quickly. But sometimes, life gets in the way, and we end up answering later than we should. But, what do we say when someone takes their time to reply to us but then apologizes for it? Today, we’ll look at the best 30 options.
1. That’s Okay
The phrase “that’s okay” can say a lot with just two words. Whatever they think they’ve done, it hasn’t bothered you that much. Because you know that they did not ignore you on purpose.
Just let them know that you are not cross, and they do not think you are.
2. Don’t Worry About It
When we take a while to reply, we might worry about a few things. We’ll fear that the other person will stop liking us. We’ll fear that the mood will be killed. We’ll worry that we just came across as rude.
But, if you want to stop them from worrying, just let them know that they have nothing to worry about.
3. May I Ask What Took So Long?
Sometimes, it doesn’t make much sense that they have taken so long to reply. You know they’re not working. But, that does not mean they did not have a valid excuse.
Be polite. But, try asking them what took them so long. To establish why they took so long to return your messages.
4. Just Try To Be Quicker Next Time
Even if they have a valid excuse for taking a long time to reply, that does not mean you have to like it.
You can forgive them, but you would like them to take less time getting back to you in the future.
5. It’s Okay. I’m Sure Your Bachelors In Sociology Is Very Time-consuming
One of the most common excuses people give for taking a long time to reply is “I was busy with university”. This is annoying when you know that they’re just doing some mickey mouse degree, and they’re using it as an excuse.
If you don’t want to talk to someone, just let them know.
6. Don’t Worry, I Know I’m Not The Only Person You’re Texting
Time for some harsh reality. If she’s taking a long time to get back to you, it’s because you’re not the only guy she’s texting.
If you’re after something serious, you need to understand that she isn’t. move on. Get out of there.
7. No Need To Apologize
You know they have a busy life. Perhaps they have to juggle parenthood with studies and work. There is no point in acting like they should reply to you immediately.
They don’t need to be sorry. And you don’t need to pretend that they should.
8. I Didn’t Expect An Immediate Response Anyway
If you know they’re busy, let them know that your expectations are not as high as they think. You are just happy to get a reply when you do, and there is no need to rush them into doing anything they don’t want to.
9. Thank You
I know it seems basic. But you were a bit annoyed that they took so long to reply. Yet, they have just apologized for that. There is no need to turn this into something it’s not. May as well just thank them for what they’ve done so far, and get back to how it was before.
10. At Least You Got Back To Me In The End
They took so long to reply you didn’t know if they would ever get back to you. So, the fact they have makes you incredibly happy.
There is no point in dwelling on the negative. Just focus on the fact they replied at all.
11. Did Life Get A Bit Hectic?
Some people live busy and exciting lives. As great as this can be, it may stop them from being able to reply to you as soon as you’d like.
But, since you’re both grown-ups, you can respect that life got in the way. But, you can now talk about how hectic your lives have been since you last spoke.
12. Apology Accepted
You know they messed up. They know they messed up. There is no point in dwelling on what cannot be changed. Just be happy that they have been able to see what they’ve done wrong.
Accepting their apology shows that you are a kind person who can forgive.
13. Just Don’t Let It Happen Again
This reply can be either jokey or severe, depending on the context. You might not be furious about their late response, but that does not mean you think it’s acceptable behaviour. Let them know that you expect better from them in the future.
14. Don’t Be Sorry. I’m Not Entitled To A Reply At All
Nobody “owes” you a response whether you like it or not. If you don’t want to talk to them, you don’t have to. The fact they replied at all is good enough for you.
You are grateful that they’ve chosen not to cut you out of their life.
15. Thank You For The Apology
This one has a similar forgiveness vibe to some of the previous replies here. The idea is that you are not angry, and you are willing to forgive past mistakes and let bygones be bygones.
You are not angry. But you’re just grateful to have an apology.
16. That’s Fine. But You Need To Tell Me Everything You’ve Done Since We Last Spoke
The fact they’ve taken too long to reply indicates that they’ve been busy. This is natural for most grown-ups.
However, they aren’t getting off that easily. You want to know what they’ve been doing since you last spoke.
17. Sorry Isn’t Good Enough. It’s Too Late
Although people are late to reply for valid reasons, there are times when a reply is needed. For example, if you want to know if someone is accessible on a particular day. Once that day passes, their reply will mean nothing.
18. I Thought You’d Lost Interest In Me
When someone doesn’t reply to us, it’s natural to assume that it’s because they have lost interest in us.
What was once fun and exciting is now dull.
People fall out of lust with each other all the time. But it’s nice when you learn that they didn’t lose interest. Or when they regain it.
19. If You’re Not Into Me, I’d Rather You Just Said
If someone isn’t into you, it can be helpful when they just let you know. It’s much better than leaving you to wonder. Give them the ultimatum.
If they are not attracted to you, they need to let you know.
20. Are You Sorry, Though?
Do you have a suspicion that this person isn’t actually sorry and is just apologizing to be polite? Call them out on it. Particularly if you know, they ought to be sorry.
If they don’t mean it, they should not apologize to you.
21. Sorry Is Just A Word If You Keep On Doing It.
How many times have they done this to you? If it happens once, you can forgive them. But, if it keeps on happening, that could be a reflection of who they are and how they view you. Let them know that they can’t just keep on apologizing to you.
22. Were You Trapped On Mars?
On Mars, the internet will be a lot slower. And their phone will take longer to charge. One valid excuse for taking a long time to reply would be that they’ve been trapped on Mars.
You cannot be mad at someone for taking a while to reply when they are literally on another planet.
23. Late? Late Is Like A Day Or Two. I Sent You That Message Last Week!
There is a difference between being acceptably late. And unacceptably late. If they take a day or two to respond, that is fine because they were probably busy.
But a whole week? Nope. That is not acceptable. Let them know that you are not happy.
24. I Wouldn’t Consider This A Late Response?
What they consider “late”, you consider satisfactory. They have taken a day to reply and feel slightly guilty. But there is no need for that.
It’s not as though it took them a whole week.
This should put their Sorry to rest.
25. Thank Goodness You’re Still Alive.
Another valid reason for someone taking a while to reply is that they’re dead. Believe it or not, it’s tough for dead people to respond to text messages. If you find that they can answer and therefore aren’t dead, rejoice in the fact they get to live another day.
26. Don’t worry. I understand I’m slightly lower on your list than Brad, Chad, Vlad, Arnie, Micheal…
She took a long time to respond because she replied to all the guys she views as more important than you. You know you’re not the only guy she’s texting. And you have a feeling you’re probably relatively low down on the list. Just let her know that you know her tricks.
27. Let Me Guess, You’re “bad At Replying”
People use a typical nonsense excuse: “I’m bad at replying”. This usually means “I’m bad at replying to you”.
28. Sorry For The Not Caring Anymore
So what they take a long time to reply? You no longer care about them.
29. You Blew Your Chance. I Found Someone New
They had their chance. They blew it. You found someone new.
30. Thank You For Getting Back To Me.
You’re just grateful they get back to you in the end.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
