All time Quote by Judith Martin
“Nowadays, we never allow ourselves the convenience of being temporarily unavailable, even to strangers. With telephone and beeper, people subject themselves to being instantly accessible to everyone at all times, and it is the person who refuses to be on call, rather than the importunate caller, who is considered rude.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Good Manners, 1990
Constant accessibility erodes personal boundaries, making unavailability seem rude.
In simple terms: Always being reachable harms personal boundaries.
Key Takeaway
Set clear availability limits.
Themes
boundaries
technology
privacy
social etiquette
stress
Mood
reflective
assertive
calm
Type
social etiquette
self‑care
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- personal relationships
- family time
Key Concepts
digital culture
boundary setting
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you politely decline instant contact?
- What boundaries protect your well‑being?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure may label boundaries as selfish.
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