Text message etiquette is real, and there is a right way and a wrong way to carry on a conversation by text. As a serial texter and self proclaimed textologist, I’m breaking down the rules.
1. Avoid one word answers. If someone sends you a full sentence, answering “K” or “LOL” is not polite. It comes off cold, like you can’t be bothered. Show that you are at least interested in the conversation. Instead of “K,” try “OK, I’ll do that now.” A few extra letters make a big difference.
2. Response time is everything. Leaving someone hanging for hours in the middle of a conversation, or never answering at all, is rude. If you’re busy, just say so and let the other person know your replies will be slow.
3. If you can say it in one message, do it. Nobody is asking for a novel. But if everything you have to say fits in one text, send one text. Nothing is more annoying than your phone going off over and over for something that could have been said once. Gather your thoughts before you hit send.
4. Say no to mass texts. The mass text is the worst. Party promoters are guilty of it, and so are the people who send the same generic holiday message to their whole contact list at 8 a.m. It’s annoying. Don’t do it.
5. Pay attention to who you’re texting. The most embarrassing thing you can do is send something personal to the wrong person. Before you hit send, double check who that text is going to.
6. Don’t ask “Who is this?” If you text someone and they tell you that you have the wrong number, asking who they are is not cute. Accept that you texted the wrong person and move on. Be honest with yourself: what would you even do with their name once they told you? Nothing.
7. Save the cursing out for a phone call. Don’t be the person who cusses people out by text. If you have something to get off your chest, be a grown up and call.
