DEAR MISS MANNERS: I've started getting text messages from acquaintances, co-workers and even clients that say, "Call me please." This isn't because I am unavailable, or that they have tried calling but I haven't answered; they simply want to talk to me about something. Perhaps it's just me, but I find this irritating.
If they want to talk to me, they should call me, and if I'm not available, they can leave a message and I will happily call them back. Am I wrong to be turned off by this relatively benign demand?
GENTLE READER: No. Miss Manners concurs. At best, this request is, as you noted, redundant. At worst, insulting, as it assumes that you are not familiar with the primary function of a cellular telephone.
This particular message also has the added annoyance of making it sound as if there is an emergency where there is none. Miss Manners recommends that next time this happens, you text back, "Oh no! Is my phone not working?" or "OK, I will" and take your time in doing so. This might confuse them, but will certainly amuse you. And may just also drive home your point.