So I don't always have the best track record for getting back to people, and this has caused an array of problems in my life. The occasional "where the hell have you been?" message from my friends and family often does the trick, but usually causes stabbing guilt over letting it go so long in the first place, and the instinct to flee.
Today, even my Nigerian scam emails are guilting me out - accusing me of letting some poor widow languish in neglect with her untouchable $30M US. I am not genetically equipped to have the viceral reactions intended by the "she's laughing at your pathetic manhood with her friends" line of spam. But I've received too many legitimate emails titled "I AM WAITING FOR YOUR RESPONSE" to ignore this one.
Hello Partner,
I sent you a mail about assisting to claim my late husband's deposit,I have been monitoring my e-mail
to know if we can proceed in earnest,so that we can start up procedures to have it claimed soonest.
However,I would understand that it is surprising and maybe unbelievable to entrust a huge amount of this
nature in your hands,do note that this is the only way I can have it claimed because I can't make a move
in my refugee status and at the moment,do not have all it takes to have it claimed.Hence,my contacting you
to make it a whole lot easier for me.
Please,do reach me urgently,so that I know the next step to take.If you are not satisfied with my proposal
and percentage sharing format,you are free to re-negotiate,though all I have set aside for you is okay,but
I can always add a little,so far your honesty and commitment is selfless.You shall benefit immensely on the
long term basis,and shorter if the investment you have in mind is profitable and well planned,as par
feasibility study of the business.
God bless you and your family,have a wonderful weekend.
The upside is that my neglect may have given me the upper hand for negotiations and I may get a bigger cut just for playing hard-to-get. This strategy works surprisingly well.