Are You a Habitual Email Forwarder?
The obsessive forwarding of emails is a source of contention. I receive inquiries from mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, friends, and associates. Everyone wants to know how to “nicely” ask someone they know, like, or love (possibly you) to stop forwarding emails they didn’t ask for or are not interested in.
Unfortunately, no matter how nice, kind, and thoughtful you may be asking someone to stop forwarding emails, the forwarder often feigns hurt feelings. Worse, they’ll get downright belligerent, believing they can do what they want. Why don’t you appreciate that they include you in these essential mailings?
Hence, this article.
If you are an onliner in this dilemma, you can share this article with those habitual forwarders in your life. This article will address them directly. Just click the icons at the bottom of this post to share or send a link to this article. You can send it to someone you know who forwards everything under the sun and refuses to stop.
If you are honest enough to admit you are a habitual forwarder, read on. The problem isn’t the forwards. Many times, it is how you choose to forward to your contacts. So, although you think you are being thoughtful, you are proportionally the opposite because you are not forwarding correctly.
See my article 5 Rules for Forwarding Emails.
To be genuinely thoughtful, you must stop and think of the person on the other side. Not just forward any emails you want or what will make you feel important.
The three critical email forwarding issues are…
A Special Note to Habitual Forwarders
To all the thoughtless or naive uncontrollable forwarders out there: When you receive a request not to forward emails, kindly respect that request.
Do not get hurt feelings. Don’t act like you have a right to disregard someone’s legitimate desire not to receive emails they have no interest in receiving and didn’t ask for.
Know that those who make these requests still want to hear from you. They just may not have the time or interest in forwards about silly, political, “informational,” or humorous topics. Isn’t that their choice to make?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: When you see “forward to everyone you know,” all your friends or everyone in your address book, don’t do it unless you can follow the rules.
Do you forward without thinking?
Maybe consider a more genuinely thoughtful approach. For example, why not be more selective about what you forward and to whom?
Consider if that person would appreciate the information and include a little note to that effect. If it’s not worth your time to make these little efforts, have the humility not to get upset when you receive a request to stop.
