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.
BY NEMANJA MANOJLOVIC
http://www.lifehack.org/364218/6-big-texting-mistakes-you-need-stop-making-right-now?mid=20160223&ref=mail&uid=687414&feq=daily
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