Texting

What is text messaging etiquette nowadays? What happened to good old chivalry and a nice phone call? The 21st century brought in a wave of technology accompanied by a sometimes not-so-friendly user manual. Because life's a bitch, this added to the massive confusion of dating, friendships, and all relationships. The problem: social cues do not transfer electronically. So why do we rely on texting if it doesn't necessarily make life easier?

;) Since when did this become a sign for flirtation? >:( And this angry? There is an entire cultural movement happening, but should we jump the bandwagon and let the inter-world become our world?

My friend was in a text convo with Skinny* and ended with a brief discussion about her day. Rather than text back, he left the conversation open-ended. Later that night, she asked me if it was too much to ask a guy for affirmation after each text, whether it's a lousy "ok" or an emphatic "great!" I'm thinking, if you expect that then how would the conversation end?

Everything is according to context. If there is an established anything then there are expectations in which both parties are to recognize. Thus rules such as, "text me back after each text," might be acknowledged. But wouldn't it save every one a little time if you just picked up the phone?

Texting can so easily take over our lives, sucking romance out of a call, a letter, an email. Don't make life difficult by anchoring your relationships with texts. Let electronics do what they do best: assist.