We’ve all been there before. You’re trying to make plans with a friend or reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
You reach out, and their response is some version of ‘Sorry, I’ve been busy lately’ It’s a classic excuse that can leave you feeling blown off or like you’re not a priority in that person’s life.
But how should you respond when someone tells you they’ve been busy? The default reaction might be to get defensive or passive-aggressive, but that rarely leads to positive results.
A thoughtful, understanding response will keep the conversation open and your relationship intact. After all, we all have times when life gets hectic – your friend truly may have a lot on their plate right now.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 empathetic yet engaging responses you can use when someone claims they’ve been busy.
You’ll find clever comebacks, sincere questions, and lighthearted ways to reconnect that don’t come across as accusatory.
20 Best Responses to “I’ve Been Busy”
- I understand. Let’s catch up when you have time.
- Busy is good. Let me know when you’re available.
- You must be busy with important things. I’m here whenever you have a moment.
- Life happens. I’m here if you need anything.
- ‘Busy’ is the new normal. A quick call when we can?
- I understand. Let me know if you need anything.
- Valid. Let me know when you have space again.
- No worries. We can reschedule.
- My door is open whenever you’re ready.
- We’ll reconnect when things settle down. Take time for yourself too.
- I’ll be available when you are finally free for us to hang out properly. But recharge too
- I’m here if you need a break from ‘busy’, even for a quick chat.
- Take all the time you need. Prioritize self-care during this busy season.
- Focus on what matters. I’ll be here when this busy season passes.
- I’ll be here when you have space to reconnect with less pressure.
- I’m here when you have the time and energy to give this relationship attention.
- I’m here if you need an emotionally-safe space, even for a little bit. No agenda.
- I get it. I’m here whenever you’re ready to make real connections a priority again.
- Take all the time you need. My love for you doesn’t depend on how often we connect.
- If ‘busy’ means you’re taking care of yourself, that’s all that matters. I’ll be here when you’re less choked.
1. I understand. Let’s catch up when you have time
‘I understand. Let’s catch up when you have time.’ is a great response to ‘I’ve been busy’ if the speaker feels guilty or stressed about not being able to communicate with you.
This response shows that you empathize with their situation and don’t hold it against them. It also lets them know that you’re looking forward to hearing from them, but you’re not in a hurry. A possible example conversation is:
A: Hi, long time no see. How are you?
B: I’ve been busy with a lot of things. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch.
A: I understand. Let’s catch up when you have time. I’m curious about what you’ve been up to.
2. Busy is good. Let me know when you’re available
‘Busy is good. Let me know when you’re available.’ is one of the best responses to ‘I’ve been busy’ if you realize that they might feel overwhelmed or exhausted by their workload.
Replying with this shows that you appreciate their efforts and achievements and that you’re happy for them.
It also allows them to reach out to you when they have some free time, without making them feel pressured. A possible example conversation is:
A: Hey, how’s life treating you?
B: I’ve been busy with a new venture. It’s challenging but rewarding.
A: Busy is good. Let me know when you’re available. I’m eager to learn more about it.
3. You must be busy with important things. I’m here whenever you have a moment
‘You must be busy with important things. I’m here whenever you have a moment.’ this is a great response to ‘I’ve been busy’ and a great way to show empathy and understanding towards someone who has been occupied with important matters.
By acknowledging their busy schedule and stating that you are available whenever they have a moment, you are showing that you value their time and priorities.
Suppose your friend cancels plans with you due to a busy schedule. In that case, you can respond by saying, ‘It sounds like you have a lot of important things going on. I’m here whenever you have a moment. Let’s reschedule when you’re free.’
4. Life happens. I’m here if you need anything
‘Life happens. I’m here if you need anything.’ this is a great way to respond to ‘I’ve been busy when you want to show support and availability to someone busy dealing with life’s unpredictable nature.
It acknowledges that life can be hectic at times, but reassures the person that you are there to support them through it.
This response can be used in various situations, such as when a friend is going through a tough time or when a colleague is dealing with a personal issue.
For example, if a friend tells you that they have been occupied taking care of a sick family member, you can respond by saying, ‘I understand that life can be challenging at times. I’m here if you need anything.
5. ‘Busy’ is the new normal. A quick call when we can?
‘Busy’ is the new normal. A quick call when we can?’ is a remarkable response to ‘I’ve been busy’ because it acknowledges the reality of our busy lives and suggests a solution to staying connected despite the busyness.
It shows that you understand how common it is to be busy and suggests a quick call when possible to stay in touch. It can be used when catching up with friends or colleagues, especially when it’s been a while since you’ve spoken.
For example, a friend tells you that they have been busy with work and haven’t had much free time. In that case, you can respond by saying, ‘I know that being busy is the new normal these days. How about a quick call when we can?
6. I understand. Let me know if you need anything
‘I understand. Let me know if you need anything’ is an empathetic and supportive response to ‘I’ve been busy’.
This response can be used in various situations, such as when a friend is going through a busy period or when a colleague is swamped with work.
For example, if a colleague apologizes for not responding to your email due to a heavy workload, you can respond by saying, ‘I understand that you are swamped with work. Let me know if you need anything. I’m happy to help out if you need it.’
This response makes the person feel supported and understood, showing that you are willing to lend a hand if they need it.
7. Valid. Let me know when you have space again
‘Valid. Let me know when you have space again.’ is a great response to ‘I’ve been busy’ as it conveys empathy for the individual while also giving them space to breathe and take care of their priorities.
It acknowledges their busy schedule and respects their need to balance their personal life and work.
For example, if a friend said, ‘Sorry, I haven’t had the time to catch up with you,’ a valid response could be, ‘I understand, life gets busy. Let me know when you have some free time to chat.’
8. No worries. We can reschedule
‘No worries. We can reschedule.’ is a mature response to ‘I’ve been busy’ as it demonstrates flexibility and understanding.
It reassures the individual that their schedule is respected while also expressing a willingness to accommodate their needs.
For instance, if a colleague cancels a meeting due to a busy schedule, a good response could be, ‘No worries. We can reschedule for a time that works best for you.’
9. My door is open whenever you’re ready
‘My door is open whenever you’re ready.’ is also a suitable response to ‘I’ve been busy’ as it communicates a sense of availability and openness, while also considering the individual’s busy schedule.
It lets them know that you are there for them when they’re ready to reconnect or catch up. For instance, if a friend says they’ve been busy and haven’t been able to hang out, a good response could be, ‘I completely understand. My door is always open whenever you’re ready to catch up.’
10. We’ll reconnect when things settle down. Take time for yourself too
‘We’ll reconnect when things settle down. Take time for yourself too.’ is also a great response to ‘I’ve been busy’.
You can use it to portray a positive outlook and understand that things can get hectic at times. It reassures the individual that there is no rush and that taking care of oneself is essential.
For example, if a family member says they’ve been busy and haven’t had the time to visit, a good response could be, ‘No worries. We’ll reconnect when things settle down. Take time for yourself too.’
11. I’ll be available when you are finally free for us to hang out properly, But recharge too
‘I’ll be available when you are finally free for us to hang out properly. But recharge too.’ is an energetic yet understanding response to ‘I’ve been busy’.
It assures the busy friend that you value quality time over forced conversation. It can be used to lift your friend’s spirits as it offers a solace of friendship unchanged.
For example:
A: I’ve been very busy with hectic work.
B: I’ll be available when you are finally free for us to hang out properly. But recharge too.
12. I’m here if you need a break from ‘busy’, even for a quick chat
‘I’m here if you need a break from ‘busy’, even for a quick chat.’ is also a significant response to ‘I’ve been busy’. Seemingly small, this offer of a brief interruption provides a much-needed relief to an overfilled schedule.
For example, your overwhelmed friend texts you ‘I’ve been very busy with about 8hrs of boring work’. You can reply with ‘I’m here if you need a break from ‘busy’, even for a quick chat’ to help your friend feel lighter and free from the guilt of abandoning you
13. Take all the time you need. Prioritize self-care during this busy season
‘Take all the time you need. Prioritize self-care during this busy season’ is also a concise response to ‘I’ve been busy’.
You are reminding your friend to fulfill needs over wants, this reminder supportingly nudges your busy friend towards proper balance.
For example, if your engineer friend says ‘I’ve been busy due to tedious work’. You could reply with ‘Take all the time you need.
Prioritize self-care during this busy season.’ to remind them to prioritize their health with self-care.
14. Focus on what matters. I’ll be here when this busy season passes
‘Focus on what matters. I’ll be here when this busy season passes’ is also one of the best responses to ‘I’ve been busy’.
It shows that you’re giving the other person space while assuring them of your continued connection. It shows that while you understand they are busy, you value the relationship enough to wait.
For example:
‘I’m sorry I haven’t been able to chat much lately. I’ve been busy, Work has been hectic.’
‘Don’t worry about it. Focus on what matters. I’ll be here when this busy season passes.’
15. I’ll be here when you have space to reconnect with less pressure
”ll be here when you have space to reconnect with less pressure’ is also an understanding response to ‘I’ve been busy.
It shows that you understand the pressures the other person faces and want to reconnect without adding to their load. It signals your willingness to resume the relationship at a pace that works for them.
For instance:
‘I’ve been so overwhelmed and busy right now, I barely have time to eat or sleep.’
‘Take a breath, I’ll be here when you have space to reconnect with less pressure.’
16. I’m here when you have time and energy to give this relationship attention
‘I’m here when you have time and energy to give this relationship attention’ is one of the best responses to ‘I’ve been busy for couples.
This response shows that you are respectful of your significant other’s time and priorities, but also expresses your desire for the relationship to continue.
It lets the other person know that you are willing to be patient and understanding while they are busy, but that you still value the connection between you.
For example, your boyfriend has been swamped with work and hasn’t had time to hang out. Tells you ‘I’ve been busy’.
You could say, ‘I’m here when you have time and energy to give this relationship attention’
17. I’m here if you need an emotionally-safe space, even for a little bit. No agenda.
‘I’m here if you need an emotionally-safe space, even for a little bit. No agenda.’ is the best response to ‘I’ve been busy’ for emotionally connected friends.
This response offers a comforting and judgment-free haven during a hectic time. It provides relief from stresses without demands.
For example:
‘I’ve been busy, I’m drowning in work.’
‘I’m here if you need an emotionally-safe space, even for a little bit. No agenda.’
18. I get it. I’m here whenever you’re ready to make real connection a priority again
‘I get it. I’m here whenever you’re ready to make real connection a priority again’ is the best response to ‘I’ve been busy’ when said by your partner.
It shows that you understand that the other person has been busy and suggests that when they are ready to prioritize your relationship again, you will be there.
For example, imagine a partner who has been preoccupied with family issues and hasn’t had much time for your relationship.
You could say, ‘I understand that your family is going through a tough time right now. I get it. I’m here whenever you’re ready to make our relationship a priority again.’
19. Take all the time you need. My love for you doesn’t depend on how often we connect
‘Take all the time you need. My love for you doesn’t depend on how often we connect’ is also a great response to ‘I’ve been busy’ which demonstrates that you have a secure attachment style and are not dependent on the other person for your happiness.
It shows that you are willing to give the other person space and time to focus on other things, without making them feel guilty or obligated to connect with you.
For example, imagine your partner who has been going through a tough time and hasn’t had much energy for socializing.
You could say, ‘Take all the time you need. I care about you and my love for you doesn’t depend on how often we hang out.’
20. If busy means you’re taking care of yourself, that’s all that matters. I’ll be here when you’re less choked.
‘If ‘busy’ means you’re taking care of yourself, that’s all that matters. I’ll be here when you’re less choked’ is a considerate response to ‘I’ve been busy’ which shows that you respect the other person’s need for self-care and understand that taking breaks from socializing can be important.
It also lets them know that you will be there for them when they are ready to reconnect.
For example, imagine a friend who has been dealing with anxiety and hasn’t had much energy for socializing tells you they’ve been busy.
You could reply with, ‘If ‘busy’ means you’re taking care of yourself, that’s all that matters. I understand and support you in that.
Just know that I’ll be here when you’re less choked and want to reconnect.’
Wrap Up
Whether you’re dealing with a colleague, friend, or family member, these responses given above can help you navigate conversations with ease and grace.
From acknowledging their busy schedule to suggesting an alternative time to catch up, these responses will help you maintain positive relationships and effective communication.
Remember, it’s important to be mindful of other people’s time and commitments. By showing empathy and understanding, you can build stronger relationships and foster a more productive and supportive environment.
So, next time someone tells you they’ve been busy, don’t let it throw you off guard. Use these responses to keep the conversation flowing and demonstrate your respect for their schedule.
Thank you for reading this article, and I hope that you found these responses helpful.
