Texting Etiquette

So, I haven't blogged in a while because I didn't really have anything to say, but I was thinking today of a conversation that my sister, Katie and I had before I came back to school.

We were talking about texting and some frustrations that come with the whole process. Some things that I figured I'd share with you.

Here are some of the frustrations that I've experienced and some suggestions on what to do to avoid them:

1. A convo that just ends out of the blue. The easiest way to avoid this is to say something to close out the convo; such as goodbye or later. Unless I'm going to see you in a few minutes, some sort of ending should take place...we do this in face-to-face convos, right? I'd even settle for the lone 'K'.

2. Things are said that could be taken in the wrong way. Due to the fact that one can't hear the inflections of the other person, important conversations or those that could be taken in more than one way, should be saved for face-to-face/phone-to-phone conversations. If you must say something that could be taken a different way, please use emoticons...they're really not that hard to throw in. Besides a smile could just make things "sound" better. :)

3. Lack of punctuation and ridiculous abbreviations. I'm all for abbreviating words, if they will make sense to the other person, otherwise one should not use them. Also, it will not harm anyone to add punctuation, the correct one of course to your texts. Punctuation can make all the difference: Let's eat Grandpa! or Let's eat, Grandpa! Also, it would really help differentiate between a statement and a question.

4. The same person is always starting the convo. This is something I know far too much about and in order for me to not continue being this same person, I've stopped initiating the convos with those who've not initiated a convo with me. If you are in a relationship with people, there needs to be some give and take from both sides; it can't all be done solo. If they want to be a part of your life, they'll initiate a convo, if not...you'll have to cross that bridge when that time comes.

5. Huge time lapses between sent and received texts. The reason I love texting is you can get back to someone when you have the time. However, some times it seems as though the span of time between the messages is large enough, a voicemail might have been a better way to go. If you are in a situation where you're not going to be able to carry on a convo, make sure the other person knows this, that way, they're not left wondering if you don't have an answer or you're trying to remember how to text. No one should get mad at someone for saying they're busy and can't talk. Just make sure if you've told someone you're busy, remember to pick up the convo when you're free.

There are a few of my frustrations and suggestions I think would help. I'm sure I could think of some more, but this is it for now. If you have any frustrations to add or suggestions, I'd love to hear them! :)

Thanks for listening to some more of my ramblings...next on the agenda: figure out what to write for my next blog. :}