These days, just about everyone and their mom (literally) uses text messaging. And, like other forms of media, texting has added a new set of rules when it comes to communicating with one another.
But communicating via text message is not just about knowing what LOL, FML, or NBD means. Whether you like it or not, there are other “rules” that should be kept in mind in order to communicate effectively and kindly through texting.
Here’s the thing: generally I’m somewhat of a stickler when it comes to spelling and grammar. But, I will admit that I am quite guilty of breaking the rules with it comes to texting (or, BBMing if you’re a classy fellow BlackBerry user). Why do I make these exceptions? Well, as a communication studies major, I’m more concerned with the conversation flow than the syntax. You see, I’ve found that it’s very easy to be misunderstood as being rude via texting. So here are a few tips to ensure that you’re not leaving the person on the end wondering if you pretty much hate their guts. (if you’re an emoticon-hater grammar fanatic – you’ve been forewarned!)
when texting…
To avoid coming across as being rude, shy away from:
- Short, one word answers (i.e. “OK” or “sure”) can come off as conveying annoyance.
- Leaving someone hanging. The excuse: “Oh, I must not have gotten your text” just doesn’t fly anymore.
- Sarcasm….unless it is blatantly and unmistakably a joke (or with “haha” added to the end).
- Asking for someone else’s number. This is a toughie because sometimes it’s your only option, but avoid it if possible.
- Rude/offensive comments. If you want to tell someone off, at least have the guts to call them.
To add a touch of personality and kindness, consider including:
- Exclamation points!
- My personal favorite, emoticons
- A “hehe” or “haha,” depending on context.
- Word-elongation. i.e. “hey” becomes “heyyy”
- Add fillers. i.e. “OK” becomes “OK sounds good!” and “sure” becomes “yup sure thing.”
Congratulations! You’re now well on your way towards becoming an expert texter. Enjoy!
- Which texting rule do you agree with / abide by the most?
- Do you have any funny texting stories?
I couldn’t agree more! I feel annoying at times using (ok, sometimes over using) emoticons, but I don’t ever want someone to get the wrong message!
For entertaining (and usually inappropriate) text message fun, check out textsfromlastnight.com
haha i TOTALLY agree with these girl! when my boyfriend says “k” i am like “umm whats wrong??” which is actually sad that i try to READ people thru text messages- but i cant help it!
so true, it’s hard to convey tone in a text message. i always try to say something endearing like “what up homes” even if it takes an extra minute (i’m a horribly slow texter.) sometimes i really DON’T get messages though, or i get them hours later. maybe i just have a really crappy phone plan….
I end up with so many emoticons and ‘haha’s in my texts so that I can show i am being lighthearted..
Oh my gosh, I basically do all of those things for “adding a touch of kindness.” Literally, my husband knows how to text as me because all he needs to know how to do it talkkk like thiss!! and beeeee excited!!
lol.
I used to be so against exclamation points, but now I punctuate my texts liberally with them. Those and the side wink:
It’s the only way I can say: I’m totally not mad at you.
your sweet potatos look amazing.
I feel like I’m in “haha” habit with texting. I constantly type haha and then I realize the haha totally doesnt make sense in that specific context! ah oh well!
I’m with you on grammar and spelling, even when communicating via text. I still spell everything out instead of using one letter for a word. I’m a communications major grad myself and I like my texts to look as if I’m sending post-it note:)
I do have to remember not to “read in” too much to texts if I feel they are rude- those are usually sent by guys but they communicate in shorter texts anyway:)
Love the texting tips, I am definitely guilty of poor texting every now and then.
Quick question… how do you cook your sweet potatoes? I’ve tried steaming, baking, grilling, and microwaving mine and just can’t quite seem to get them just right consistently. It’s frustrating because when it does happen, they taste so yummy
Totally agree about no one word answers. They always make me feel like the other person is upset for some reason. I’m not a big fan of texting shorthand, but that’s a personal thing (like lol).
Yay! Thanks for this, Gracie!
I have a bad habit of.. not texting back but I think that I make up for it with my nice texts. I always, always, ALWAYS try to throw in lots of emoticons or “haha/lol” to make sure that they can kind of sense my meaning/mood.
I LOVE exclamation points! I use them way too much! See?! But other then that, I’m a horrible texter! I try to just avoid it all together.
I had a relationship that actually ended because of texting! We texted so much that we couldn’t talk to each other in person.
I love and hate texting at the same time. I think it is the downfall of communication!
Great text rules! I have a friend who always texts things like “Hey…” “Ok…” I always end up thinking something is up. I finally had to say that the “…” always throws me off and seems like she has something to say, but isn’t saying it. Once I pointed it out, she stopped and the conversation is so much nicer. Even my grandmother is hooked on texting nowadays!
I’m addicted to using exclamation marks and “haha”s. Sometimes I wonder if it gets annoying, but I like to make sure to keep things lighthearted!
I can be pretty bad at responding to texts though. Sometimes I honestly just forget!
I think that if you text back and forth for longer than 6 messages, it’s time to pick up the phone. We’ve become so complacent. And when my poor father tries to abbreviate word, eeesh.
And then there’s sexting, ick.
I have a qwerty keyboard so I have no problem texting in full sentences, but I guess those of whom have traditional keypads use the shortened versions of words (i.e. ur instead of your). I don’t mind it one way or the other. I always respond even with just a quick “ok thanks!” but I don’t get my panties in a bunch if I don’t hear back, unless I asked them a question that I need to know!
that pb looks like mousse!
this rule drives me crazy:
Short, one word answers (i.e. “OK” or “sure”) can come off as conveying annoyance.
boys do this too much!!
i commit the crime of using too many exclamation points. not always cute.
do a post on sexting etiquette please. hehehee
Haha, LOVE the textiquette!
I like to add in cute things after the one worders so people know i’m not mad.
ie: hey girl
hey mama
sure babe
okay love
Yeh I totally agree. although when I am mad i normally use “kay.” and instert periods instead of exclamations. The first time a guy texted me alot of smileys throughout our text convo, i was totally creeped out. now I like it. *smile!*
what does it mean if they guy my friend usedto date ramdomly texted here hey with 4 e’s? (heeeey)
hahaha YES that website is hilarious!!
I baked them at 375 for 10-15 minutes per side! or at least until they start turning a little bit brown on the outside
“I think that if you text back and forth for longer than 6 messages, it’s time to pick up the phone.” <—- very true!! good point.