6 Big Texting Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Now
Actual phone calls are being made less and less with every
day, and mostly in cases where there is a truly intimate connection or an
emergency. Instead, texting has taken over. Everyone, from young to old, is
using texting as their main means of communication, whether it is via SMS,
Facebook or Whatsapp, using either their phones or a version of the app on
their computer.
Even though it is a cool and easy way to reach someone,
people still have problems grasping the unwritten rules and manners of texting.
The worst thing about this is that they do not see what they are doing wrong.
So, in order to help you become better at texting and improve your social life,
let’s look at some of the biggest mistakes you might be making, and how to
avoid them.
1. Waiting for too long between texts
Be a good person and respond swiftly. Someone actually took
time to write you a text, so be a sport and respond to it. But, what is the appropriate response time?
You do not have to do it the same second, but don’t wait for
hours or days either. If you did this, it would be equivalent to you talking
with someone in person and suddenly turning your back and ignoring them,
pretending not to hear them. If a certain rhythm has been established don’t just
cut off communication without excusing yourself, e.g. “I have to go run a few
errands around town, we’ll talk more tonight” or “Be back in 10-20min, just
have to finish something real quick”.
If you are not convinced yet, ask yourself if you would like
this to happen to you. The answer is probably “no”, right? So, man up and
write back.
2. Writing essays in response to 2-3 word texts
OK, Dostoyevsky, calm down! It’s a text, not a novel.
If your friend asked you to go for coffee, just answer yes
or no, and maybe agree on the details in case you are meeting. If you can’t do
it, there is no need to give a detailed explanation on why you can’t. Answering
every 3 word text from a guy or girl you’re pursuing with 4-5 lines just
screams “needy and desperate to please”. No one wants to read your essay. It’s
all about symmetry here. If you receive a long text, then the response should
be long, too. If the text is short, then short answer. It is as simple as that.
Oh, and one more thing, “K” is not an acceptable answer in
any situation.
3. Overuse or underuse of emojis
If you are an adult, try to act like it. Your texting buddies know you, so no
reason to mellow down the messages with a smiley face. Unfortunately, it seems
as though messages without a smiley are perceived as angry or dead-serious.
This begs the question: when did emojis become the norm in the texting world?
Unless you are a teenager, too many emojis in a single
message is unacceptable. Nevertheless, not using them at all is bad, too. So,
finding a perfect balance is the key. If you are texting your best friend, and you
are having a fun conversation, then feel free to add bunch of emojis and
stickers.
However, if the message is between you and a casual
acquaintance, business associate or is of a rather serious tone, then cut short
on the emojis. If a partner, or potential partner, ends each message with a
smiley face and you fail to do so, it’s like you’re giving them the cold
shoulder.
Emoticons have become rather emotionless and useless, to be
honest. They lack any real meaning in most contexts and are there for decorative
purposes only, but they are an important decoration at times, nonetheless.
4. Not giving the other person time to answer back
You sent the text. Now wait. Do not keep texting. Spamming
someone will not get them to reply. In fact, it might make them ignore you
forever. Burying someone in unwanted messages is the worst thing you could do.
And more importantly, do not call in case you don’t get a prompt reply. Not
only is it rude, but it is a little bit obsessive, as well. Just send the
message and chill.
5. Not knowing when to naturally end the
conversation
Texting is like writing an essay. There is an introduction,
the body and the closing paragraph. Therefore, keep this in mind when
communicating with someone through messages. You should know what to say and
how to say it. Furthermore, be aware of the signals from the other person. If
they are slowly fading into the end of the conversation, follow them. This is
how you can sign out in a natural way. If the text from the other end start
getting shorter and lacking in enthusiasm, you’ll know it’s time to wrap things
up.
Abruptly ending a conversation is, first of all, rude. Yes,
you might be busy and have no time to talk, but it can also look like you are
not interested in the conversation. If this is the case, then why did you start
it/reply in the first place? Know your limits.
6. Writing something that can be interpreted the wrong way
So, there are certain rules for the texting language. First
of all, know your abbreviations. BRB, LOL, TBH, and many others, have their
specific meanings. They are not some random letters for you to occasionally
throw into a text. Also, keep up with the popular sayings. If you are not
familiar with them, avoid using them.
Unfortunately, some older people do not understand this and
that is why we have so many cases of funny mom and dad texts. And lastly, avoid sarcasm. It can
often be misinterpreted in person, let alone in a short text where no one can
see your face or hear the tone of your voice. You could start a fight for no
reason at all.
In conclusion: texting is not easy. There are many rules to
follow and a whole new language to learn. You could say that it is an important
skill, one everyone needs to master. And if you don’t have the time and
patience for it, then play it safe and stick to regular conversations.
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