Text.....Ok we've all used it to avoid unwanted or laborious phone calls but they can be a social faux pas waiting to happen.
It's seriously taking the place of conversation and I must confess I am not a huge fan. Don't get me wrong I do text, it's cheap, convienient- you can get your word across without getting derailed by inane chatter, but so much of what we do now takes away personal contact which is absolutely vital in gathering information about others. Think of the little things you pick up while speaking with someone over the phone, the pauses, the uhming and aahing, the raised pitch if they are excited, all this is lost.
My real problem with texts are the misunderstandings that can happen let's face it we've all been there, thinking LOL meant lots of love, imagine sending it to a disraught friend at the end of a text only to find out it really means Laugh out loud. Another issue is the fact that a simple careless tap of the finger can send it to the wrong recipient, Dan, Dad, you catch my drift.
Texting at any point in a relationship has got it drawbacks, I guess some communication is better than none at all but there is some wisdom in calling rather than texting. It's very easy for someone to text sweet nothings without meaning a single word, text excuses and yes far easier to lie in a text than over the phone. Texting during arguments can also lead to things excalating because texts can come across as cold and inpersonal.
It's not all bad, Text messaging has advantages over making a regular phone call. They enable you the privacy to exchange messages with each other without fear of other people knowing what you and another individual are talking about. They are also good to use to notify people if you are going to be a few minutes late to an appointment. They allow you to send a quick note to arrange meetings without interfering much with each others busy schedules. Text Messaging are also useful reminder tools. You can also send pictures in text messages instantly but is this an advantage or disadvantage, probably one for another day but worth mentioning I guess, that it's wise not to send a picture to anyone you won't be happy to see with at least one other random person.
The most annoying thing about texts though is the text speak, which I must confess I really struggle with. I have compiled a list to bring us all up to date so here goes;
ALOL -Actually laughing out loud
CUL - See you later
D8- Date
LMAO- Laughing My Arse Off
QT- Cutie
SBTA- Sorry being thick again
SCNR-Sorry could not resist
SED-Said enough darling
SOHF-Sense of humour failure
SSDD Same stuff different day
STFU-Shut the f**k up
STYS-Speak to you soon
TTML-Talk to me later
WTF-What the F**k
WUBU2-What you been up to?
WYD-What are you doing?
4YEO-For your eyes only
Well if you knew all of these you are far more up to date than I am. Some things are better said over a phone call or even a visit but texts are here to stay knowing when to use them is key.
