Are you prone to one-word responses like “ok” or “cool” every few days? Do you ignore memes and leave others on “read” for days in a row? Texting gets a lot of flak, but it is just another communication method with its own etiquette. If you think you are naturally terrible at texting relationships, our tips will help you better up your game.
Why Texting Matters
Texting is one of the most prevalent channels of communication in our tech-driven world. If you fail at it, people reaching out to you will assume that you are not invested in them. Whether someone wants to share cheap Delta 8 gummies or a new movie trailer, follow the texting etiquette. Entire relationships can develop or wither based on the quality of messages!
Top Five Tips
Dry texters get a taste of their own medicine when the people they care about send increasingly shorter messages or stop replying altogether. Follow these tips to improve your texting and start enjoying it!
1. Don’t take too long to reply
WhatsApp lets you deactivate the “last seen” feature, but this does not mean people won’t realize you have left them on “read”. There is no excuse for ignoring a message for 48 hours unless you got stranded on a remote island.
If you cannot reply quickly, just explain it! Text something like “Sorry, I am busy just now, will chat later.” If you were delayed by some force majeure event, text, “Sorry, was held up”. You would apologize if you had arranged to meet this person face to face, wouldn’t you?
2. Avoid one-word responses
Texting “No.” or “Do.” is just plain rude. Sometimes, you may be too caught up to type more, but do not let this exception become a rule. One-word replies followed by silent treatment tell the other person they are insignificant. How would you feel if you texted your friend that you were getting married, and they replied with “k”?
3. Ask interesting questions
Genuine interest is the key to a good conversation. Even if you don’t really care about your coworker’s laugh, asking questions will bode well for your relationship. If someone tells you about a movie they have seen or a book they are reading, ask them what they like about it. If they are criticizing their boss, ask them for details and show some empathy. Meme it up, too!
4. Use emojis/GIFs/memes
Fun graphics are not only for teenagers. They are like sprinkles on a cake. With a relevant GIF or smiley, you will soften things up, especially if you are uncomfortable typing a lot of words or giving a straight answer.
5. Read between the lines
If someone replies with short answers, and this is out of character, they are possibly angry or upset. If they are bombarding you with texts, you matter to them. If someone has not been in touch for a week or more, send them a follow-up message!
