Cell Phone Text Messages : When It's Best to Just Call

We may have become so consumed by the allure of text messaging that we have lost all sense of when it's a good time to just pick up the phone and make a voice call. Here are a few situations when you should not send a text message.

When You're Trying to Find Your Friend At the Club

If you're on your way out for a night on the town, you can text your friend all you want on the way there; in your bedroom, in the bathroom, in your car, on the train, and even when you're parking or getting of the train. But don't send your friend a text when you're walking down the street trying to find out where you're supposed to meet. It is extremely counterproductive. It takes you so much longer to type in where you are as opposed to telling it to your friend verbally. Just pick up the phone and make a call. You know, like they used to do in the olden days!

Also, if you're on the way to a club that is free until a certain time, you especially don't want to risk texting. You can easily end up missing the cut off and spending $20 to get in just because you had to text back and forth instead of making a simple phone call.

When You Need to End a Relationship

Another situation where you just don't want to send a text message is when you need to break up with someone. Only a coward will use a text message as a Dear John or Dear Joan letter. Some people will even simply stop responding to text messages, thinking that it is an indication to the other person that the relationship over.

Texting someone to break up is not only disrespectful, it also leaves the whole situation awkwardly open ended. Your ex-boyfriend or girlfriend will always be wondering what caused the sudden text message, and will probably contact you at some point in the future to find out. So just do the manly or womanly thing here --- pick up the phone and tell them verbally that it's over.

When There's an Emergency

If you are faced with a serious emergency, sending a text message is a big no no. Usually, when someone receives a text message is it a quick beep or short tone. It's entirely too easy for them to miss that notification and it could take them hours before they get your urgent message. So if you're in an urgent situation, get in touch with your friend, business associate, or family member immediately with a phone call.

Hopefully, these situations go without saying. Use common sense when deciding on whether you should get in touch using a text message or a good old fashioned phone call.