This is exactly why I keep the messages unread so that I don't forget to reply later, and eventually keep them unread for weeks making it useless to reply after so long, therefore giving up and not replying anyway
I currently have 301 unread text messages (not even close to my high score). For me, the anxiety wore off and was replaced with a sense of defeated relief.
If I get bored, I can go through them without feeling any obligation to respond at all.