I respond to texts in 3-4 business days and that's more than freaking okay
The past two years, I've made it a point to not respond to friend texts immediately unless there's an impetus to. I mean, if it's a time sensitive ask or if someone is, like, dying1, I'll respond immediately. But, for the most part, I simply read the preview and let it sit in my notifications.
People have expected a slow response from me. But most everyone has mentioned they like that I take a while to respond because they don't feel the intense social etiquette to respond quickly as well. There's time for deliberation, a moment to breathe. I'm simply sick of how fast everything is, this pressure to be always available and tethered to my phone2.
Anyway, if someone is offended that I take forever to respond, then, like, whatever. They can tell me or just, like, not talk to me. I am in my 30s. I work almost all the time. This is one of the only things I really do for myself to preserve my peace: in my communications and interactions with people, I am constantly trying to be overly polite, empathetic, and considerate. I am timely and, when I'm not, I let people know ASAP--Ihate wasting people's time because I hate my own time wasted. I am always present when I'm with someone. I listen. I try to be thoughtful. I show up with the best intentions everyday. So if someone can't stand that I take a few days to respond to a text asking if I've seen the latest episode of Bridgerton, then Jesus Christ on a pogo stick, fuck them. They probably weren't that good of a friend anyway.
So far, no one's had a problem with it though. lol. YMMV.
If they're dying and I'm the person they'd contact for some reason, I assume they'd also call. Maybe leave a screaming voicemail. And not, you know, only text me.↩
The past few years, to combat my minor phone addiction (lol), spouse and I grayscaled our phones, implemented the "FOYER" method, removed all social media apps, and set Do not Disturb 24 hours a day. The grayscaling helped me the most. The lizard brain unfortunately craves bright colors.↩