Email Etiquette - Text Message Etiquette

Talking Fingers! TTUL8ER, GTG, BRB - In Case You Didn't Know, Those R Text Messaging Terms!

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

What's with text messaging? I see people texting on the train, in the car, in restaurants and even while walking on the streets! It's like letting your fingers do the talking! I want to get in on text messages but am a little outdated -- what are the etiquettes of text messaging, April? Can I start texting dirty to my boyfriend or text sweet nothings to him? Is that allowed? I also receive soooo many text messages from other guys who I meet randomly or online! What does it mean? Keep me in the text message loop April!

Sincerely,

Out of the TM Loop!

A:

Dear Out of the TM Loop!,

Text messaging makes feelings of the heart fly at lightning speed, and makes there be NO EXCUSE for not keeping in touch. It also makes wannabe polygamists good to go because they can send their love flying in 10 different directions with the flick of a fingertip. So just because you get a love message from your IM honey, doesn’t mean you’re the only one seeing hearts.

April’s text message etiquette:

1. Keep it light and simple. No one wants to read long messages on a text device. The medium is meant for short and sweet, so keep it that way.

2. Impulsive check! Don’t have three espressos and then start sending messages like crazy. Think before you hit send. Not only will you possibly send the wrong feeling to someone — you may send it to the wrong person, altogether!

3. Don’t rely on text messaging. It’s a great medium for infusing relationships with sparks of delight, but it’s not hardcore enough to sustain a relationship. Don’t rely on text messaging for your day’s communication. Follow up with a phone call.

4. Beware the text message cad. If all you get from him is text messages and sex — you may be victim of a text message dog. Text messages and sex are not a real relationship, folks.

G2G!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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