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What are your textiquette rules?
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The loud environments in which we find ourselves in during late nights tend to cause us to communicate via text messages. However, whether it’s the a.m. or p.m. - if you have a cell phone - at some point, you’ll be texting. Ironically, the more I text, the more my friends and significant others seem to be violating, what should be, cardinal rules. Here are a few:
Can't You Hear Me Now? If someone calls you on the phone and you don't pick up, but then he or she texts you and you immediately text back - you're a jerk! And if we're in a relationship, I will assume you're cheating on me with my best friend. Repeat offenders of this rule are begging for interrogation.
This is the quintessential textiquette rule everyone should follow. By replying to a text, you're indicating some level of availability. This is also the simplest textiquette rule to follow. You can either pick up the phone AND answer the text message, or don't pick up the phone AND don't answer the text. Simple.
Via Phone Not Text
Probing about what may be a traumatic, life-changing disaster via text is like telling someone you'll take 'em out to dinner at a fancy restaurant, then eating most of the food right off their plate - with your fingers! If someone texts that he or she doesn't feel well, offer a phone call instead.
Lost in Textation
If I have to type '???' more than twice, you've exceeded my threshold of patience. If reading your messages begins to feel like work, this exchange is over.
Too Little Too Late
Don't send a text message back, then another one an hour later, then another response 4 hours 23 minutes and 19 seconds later. If you want to engage in text message conversations, engage. Putting a texter on the back burner is bad text karma.
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Drunk Texting
Although the benefits of being able to hide your slurred speech and inability to stand up straight without collapsing may appeal to you, you're still intoxicated. Keep away from the letters!
The Boy Who Text 'Wolf'
One too many exclamation points or emoticons will lose all impact. I won't be able to separate fact from fiction from fantasy from punch line. Consequently, when you're seeking help while in an actual dilemma, I'll be too busy laughing.
One Message Only When in the company of others, it's classless to take out your phone, even if it's an iPhone, and immerse yourself in a text conversation. Responding to one text is fine, but while you may think you're an exceptional listener, those in your presence will become annoyed, taking your sloppy textiquette violation personally.
Forwards Are a Step Backward Forwards are so 2004! And with the exception of a few extremely funny ones, they always have and will annoy. If you truly l.u.v. me, let me know, minus the pre-typed message.
Too Busy To Type
Sending a text message or sending a response to a text implies a willingness to engage in a phone conversation. In essence, you're saying, 'Yes, I am available.’ As the textee, you should indicate to the texter if you're performing open heart surgery or rock climbing, clearly stating why you can't chat it up if your phone starts ringing shortly after text correspondence begins.
Don't Try This on Phone
Leave the sarcasm to Ellen DeGeneres. More important, if you want to get to know someone biblically one day, failed attempts at revealing your comedic genius through sarcastic remarks will hinder the process; and generally speaking, sarcasm tends to offend.
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