Why people who are "too busy" for you are lying

No one is "too busy" for you, at least not all the time. Those who say that are being dishonest.

Sure, they may be too busy to call back or respond to your text today, tomorrow, or even this whole week.

But to go several weeks -- if not months -- without getting back to you is just, well, too much for anyone to have to stomach.

Even if someone is going through a rough patch in their life, a quick note to say as much -- and that they will touch base once the situation improves -- will more than suffice.

Being left hanging isn't what someone who values you does. If anything, it demonstrates the exact opposite: indifference.

People prioritize the things and people that matter to them.

Such a situation is made all the more demoralizing when you recognize that you yourself make a conscious effort to respond to others even when you're down in the dumps.

But as I've noted time and again, you can't expect people to behave exactly as you would or care as much as you do.

In an ideal world, people would always reciprocate the time and effort you put into the relationship. But it just doesn't always work that way.

Some individuals, to be fair, are much busier than others.

Your friend Lucy might have 3 kids and be taking classes at night to earn her degree.

Your friend Sam might work two jobs, help take care of a sick friend, and put in a few hours of community service each week.

There may be times when it feels like there isn't enough time in the day to do it all.

But as I alluded to earlier, no one says you have to pay a visit or talk on the phone for several hours. Just a quick Facebook message, for instance, is enough to convey that you haven't forgotten about them.

There's no more meaningful way to show you care for someone than by giving them some of your time, however minuscule it is.

Our time is the only thing we can never get back once it's gone.

If you feel that someone has put you on the back burner, don't sweat it. Hang out with other friends, or make new ones.

Others' loyalty, attention, interest, and affection are never guaranteed, no matter how long you've known them or how deeply invested you perceive them to be.

Better yet, spend some quality time alone. You don't have to be around others to feel happy and fulfilled. And, at least you know you'll never be too busy for yourself.