8 Questions to See if You Are Viewed as Rude in Emails

All too often, otherwise, friendly folks come off as terse or plain old rude regarding their email habits. Most emailers do not intentionally set out to be rude. Well, I guess some do, but for the most part, I prefer to believe the majority do not.

How to Avoid Appearing Rude in Email

How do you know if you are viewed as rude? Your email habits smack of a lack of consideration for the person on the other side.

Below are the most common oversights I see onliners make regularly, oversights that can lead to a negative perception.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you are most likely being viewed as rude.

Do you forward emails without comment?
Forwarding without taking the time to write a comment about why you are forwarding that particular email to that person will cause you to be viewed as rude. If you don’t want to make this effort — don’t bother forwarding it.
Do you disregard requests from others who ask that you not forward emails to them?
Not everyone wants to receive all those “informative” emails you think are important. Especially if you are forwarding without comment or considering by clicking Send to your entire address book.
Do you disregard requests from others who ask that you not forward emails to them?
Not everyone wants to receive all those “informative” emails you think are important. Especially if you are forwarding without comment or considering by clicking Send to your entire address book.
Do you disregard requests from others who ask that you not forward emails to them?
Just because you can doesn’t mean you do. Honor requests that emails not be forwarded with kindness and understanding. Otherwise, you will be viewed as rude (and selfish).
Do you send overly large, unexpected attachments?
You need to take the time to determine the file size and ask first when would be the best time to send any large files. You don’t know the other side’s data limits. Sending an unasked-for, unannounced large file will probably be viewed as rude.
Do you send business attachments after business hours?
You will be viewed as rude if you send large, unexpected attachments after business hours, which could fill inboxes. Only send business attachments when they are expected and during business hours.
Do you start every email with a greeting and a closing?
Always open with a “Hi” or “Hello” followed by the recipient’s name and close with a “Sincerely,” “Take Care,” or TTYS followed by your name. Not taking the time to address an email and sign off with courtesy personally can make you appear demanding or curt, which is viewed as rude.
Do you jump for the website’s contact link?
You should first search the site and read any available information. What does it say when you ask about information provided for convenience? Not searching first will reflect that your time is more important than the site owners. Who will jump to answer emails from anyone who is viewed as rude?
Do you use multiple !!! or ??? in your emails?
Overuse of punctuation to make a point will make a point. Not only will you come off as sarcastic and condescending — you can be viewed as rude.
Do you pack the To: or Cc: fields with email addresses?
Do you pack the To: or Cc: fields with email addresses?
Particularly contacts who do not know each other? This is a severe breach of privacy. Exposing your contact’s email addresses to strangers will be viewed as rude.
Do you whitelist your contacts?
Whitelisting adds contacts to your whitelist, address book, or approved senders list. This effort is so that their emails are not mistaken for spam. When you have a new contact, stop and add their email address to your address book. You can’t complain about not receiving emails without making this effort. Don’t whitelist and complain; you’ll be viewed as rude.

It’s Easy Not to Be Viewed as Rude

It is straightforward to avoid being viewed as rude by reflecting courtesy for the people you are communicating with. Often, folks think only of themselves and what they want to do at any given moment, regardless of how it will be perceived or affect the person on the other side.

Good manners never go out of style, which applies to email activities.