DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend of mine has been keeping in touch with me by sending text messages that contain one sentence only: “How are you, Jen?” He never shares anything about himself, nor does he show any interest in my life beyond asking that one question.

In frustration, I texted him that I am delighted and eager to hear from him any time he has something meaningful to share, but that going forward, I will no longer respond to one-sentence text messages. He was angry at this and I have not heard from him since.

What do you think of this behavior? I am still a bit mystified by it and would like your opinion.

GENTLE READER: In a world where long, rambling text messages and lack of interest in others prevails, it seems to Miss Manners that your friend’s texts were both succinct and empathetic. Unless you are not providing her with the whole scenario.

Once you tell him how you are and ask him how he is, does he then go silent? If it really is just the one sentence and then crickets, Miss Manners will justify -- and share -- your mystification.

But it still does not warrant the tirade you unleashed upon him.

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