I’ve had a few people write me and share stories of overwhelming someone with too many texts, emails or phone calls. Often times they write me this after they read my article on Parity in Communication.

So what if you read the article too late, or ignored the advice and sent someone 15 text messages for every 1 they sent you? What if they ask for space and you want to make it better and you don’t know how to do that? How do you recover?

Here’s my fancy 2 step plan.

1. Apologize. Don’t get mad or blame them or shout or get passive aggressive, or act entitled to their time or attention. Say, “I am sorry for overwhelming you with messages, I would love to hang out, and I’ll leave the when up to you. My bad, hope you have a great day.”

2. Stop contacting them. Period.

That’s it. That’s all you can do. Don’t throw a pity party. Don’t keep messaging them. Don’t ask for one more chance. Demonstrate to them with your actions that you can give them space. Back off and move on.

If the problem is you saying too many things, there is nothing you can SAY to make it better, because SAYING TOO MANY THINGS IS THE PROBLEM. Follow?

Remember this when you feel compelled to send a follow up text to someone because they aren’t responding fast enough, and check yourself.