We all have different email habits: Some of us let our inboxes fill up to the brim, while others can’t stand to see a single unread message.
Then there are those who delete emails right after reading them.
Have you ever wondered why?
There’s actually quite a bit you can infer about a person based on their email habits—in fact, those who delete emails right after reading them often share seven common traits.
In this article, we’re going to delve into these traits and shed some light on what they suggest about the person’s personality, mindset, and approach to life.
It may seem like a small thing, but our behaviors, even as seemingly insignificant as dealing with emails, can provide fascinating insights into our character:
1) They value tidiness
We all know that one person who can’t bear to see a single dirty dish in the sink or a single piece of paper out of place on their desk.
They crave order in their surroundings, and this often extends to their digital spaces as well.
People who delete emails right after reading them are usually those who have a strong preference for neatness and orderliness.
A cluttered inbox is to them what a messy room is to a neat freak—simply unbearable.
This trait goes beyond just keeping their email tidy.
It’s about maintaining control over their environment, both physical and digital; it’s about reducing distractions and noise so they can focus on what truly matters.
If you come across someone who clears their inbox religiously, know that they’re likely someone who values tidiness in all aspects of life.
They take great pride in maintaining order and find joy in the simplicity and efficiency it brings.
But keep in mind, not everyone who appreciates tidiness might be this way.
2) They’re action-oriented
As a writer, I receive countless emails each day.
From newsletters and press releases to personal messages and collaboration offers, my inbox is always bustling.
However, I have this habit of deleting emails right after reading them.
Why? Because people who delete emails immediately are usually action-oriented.
We like to tackle things head-on and then move on to the next task.
This trait goes beyond just email habits; it’s reflected in how we approach life in general.
For example, when I get an email about a meeting, I don’t just leave it languishing in my inbox.
I read it, note down the details in my calendar, respond if needed, and then… delete.
The email has served its purpose—its information has been processed and acted upon—so keeping it around would only clutter my inbox.
This approach isn’t restricted to emails either.
In life too, I am always looking forward, taking action where needed, and then moving on without unnecessary lingering.
Whether it’s a work project or a personal goal, I believe in getting things done promptly rather than putting them off.
3) They are efficient time managers
Did you know that the average professional spends about 28% of their workday reading and answering emails?
That’s a significant chunk of time!
But people who delete emails right after reading them often spend less time on this task.
This trait suggests they are efficient time managers.
They read, respond, delete, and move on—a simple process that saves them from the time-consuming task of sifting through a cluttered inbox later.
In essence, they have mastered the art of decisive email management.
By dealing with each email as it arrives, they prevent their inbox from becoming a daunting, unmanageable task.
This efficiency isn’t confined to their email habits alone.
You’ll often find that these individuals are good at managing their time in other areas of life as well, whether it’s at work or in personal matters.
4) They’re not sentimental
Let’s face it: Not all emails are created equal.
Some contain important information or valuable insights, while others might just be a simple greeting from a colleague.
For those who delete emails right after reading them, the content doesn’t necessarily dictate its lifespan.
This suggests that these individuals aren’t particularly sentimental when it comes to keeping digital mementos.
Once the email has served its purpose, it’s out of their inbox, regardless of its emotional value.
This trait often extends beyond their inbox as they might be the type of person who prefers minimalistic surroundings, free from unnecessary clutter.
If your inbox is always clean and empty, chances are you’re not one to hold onto things unnecessarily.
You understand the value of living in the present and not being weighed down by the past, even if it’s just in the form of old emails.
5) They handle stress well
A full inbox can be a source of stress for many of us, myself included.
There’s something overwhelming about seeing a long list of unread emails, each demanding your attention and action.
But for those who delete emails right after reading them, this stress is significantly reduced.
I’ve found that maintaining a clean inbox helps me manage my stress levels.
When my inbox is clutter-free, my mind feels clearer, too.
It’s as if each deleted email takes away a small amount of stress, making room for more important thoughts and tasks.
This habit suggests an ability to handle stress effectively.
By maintaining order in their inbox, these individuals are also maintaining order in their minds.
They’re reducing potential sources of stress in their environment, which can lead to better mental health and overall well-being.
6) They’re decisive
Decisiveness is a trait that often goes hand in hand with deleting emails after reading them.
Once they’ve read an email, they make a decision – to respond, to take action, or to simply delete it.
There’s no ‘I’ll deal with it later’ attitude.
This decisiveness isn’t limited to their inbox.
You’ll often find that these individuals are firm decision-makers in other areas of life as well.
Whether it’s a work project, a personal goal, or even choosing a restaurant for dinner, they are able to make decisions swiftly and confidently.
7) They value their mental space
People who delete emails right after reading them place great importance on their mental space.
They don’t want to be weighed down by an overflowing inbox filled with read and unread messages.
Instead, they choose to keep their digital environment clean and clutter-free.
This habit is a reflection of how they value and protect their mental space.
By eliminating unnecessary digital clutter, they create room for more important thoughts, ideas, and tasks.
It’s a commitment to maintaining clarity and focus in a world that is often filled with distractions—a trait that is not only beneficial for productivity but also for overall well-being.
Final thoughts: It’s about more than just emails
At first glance, deleting emails right after reading them might seem like a simple habit, but as we’ve explored, it can reveal a lot more about a person’s traits and tendencies.
These habits are not just confined to our inboxes.
They permeate through our lives, influencing how we manage our time, make decisions, handle stress, and value our mental space.
The digital world is a reflection of our internal world.
How we manage our digital spaces can give us insights into how we navigate our lives.
The next time you notice yourself or someone else swiftly deleting an email right after reading it, remember it’s not just about maintaining a clutter-free inbox.
In the end, it’s fascinating to think about how such small actions can provide such significant insights into our character.
Perhaps it’s time we paid more attention to these seemingly insignificant habits—who knows what other secrets they might reveal about us?
