17 Good Manners That May Be More Annoying Than You Think

2. Leaving Detailed Voicemails

In the past, detailed voicemails were essential for conveying information since there were fewer communication options. Today, however, many people find voicemails unnecessary and time-consuming. Boyd explains that most people prefer quick text messages or emails over lengthy voicemail messages.

Do this instead: Skip the voicemail and use text or email to share important information. Keep your messages concise to avoid overwhelming the recipient. Also, it’s now common to call without leaving a voicemail, expecting the missed call notification to prompt a return call.

3. Automatically Saying “Yes”

Automatically agreeing to requests might seem polite, but it can lead to problems if you can’t follow through. Grotts points out that saying “yes” right away can cause frustration and resentment if you’re not truly able to commit.

Do this instead: Be honest about your availability. If you’re unsure, respond with, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.” This way, you can avoid overcommitting and maintain a more manageable workload.