Fictional group-chat example

This example is fictional. A friend writes in a group chat, “Can you come over Saturday and help us plan the school fundraiser?” The reader first types “Sure,” then remembers already having plans. Nothing in the message says the friend will be upset; that is a guess, not a fact.

Three questions to pause on

  1. What is known, and what am I guessing?
  2. What am I actually agreeing to?
  3. What clear sentence respects both people?

A possible boundary sentence is: “I can talk after practice, but I cannot agree to plans before I check.” A clear answer can be kind without promising more than you mean to offer.

When to ask for help

Repeated hurtful messages or threats are not a puzzle to handle alone. Step away, save a copy if it is safe, and ask a trusted adult for help.

For further support, see StopBullying.gov: Get Help Now.

For a separate set of fictional messaging situations, open Before You Send That Text.