Dating and Texting: What You Should Know

It seems nowadays that more people are communicating via text message than actually making phone calls. Texting has become a tool to help make the shy a bit bolder and has made conveying quick bits of information as easy as hitting send. This can thrill or frustrate those on the dating scene. If you are dating and text those you plan on going out with, you need to be careful with what you say and when and how you say it.

Never ask someone out via text message

I know this is disappointing to those that are shy, but asking someone out via text message is cowardly. Unfortunately, you should not leave it in a voicemail either. You should pick up the phone and speak to the person directly to ask him or her for a date. It says a lot to someone that you actually had the nerve to ask him or her out and it will almost certainly give you brownie points depending on your approach.

Avoid using abbreviations or emoticons

"Did u evr c it? Itz a gr8 movie." While you may do this with your friends, it may say to the other person that you hurriedly typed a quick text to them in between ordering food and paying for it at the drive thru window. In addition, it does not exactly showcase your intelligence and can make you come across as a thirteen year old. People want to know that the person they are going on a date with actually knows how to spell, and if you type in abbreviations, it is difficult to distinguish. Make it easier and type full words into full sentences.

Sending a follow up text message to a great date is acceptable

If you go on a date that you are happy with, feel free to send a text message stating, "I had a great time. Hope we can do it again." It is generic, simple and conveys a message to let your date know where you stand without him or her having to wonder. Making a phone call to relay this message could actually come off as a bit strange, so sending a text is a great option.

Never text someone else while your date is around

I once saw a girl in a restaurant texting someone while her date was reading his menu across the table from her. It is a completely rude action and it shows that you have little to no interest in your date. If you really have to send a text message, go to the bathroom and text whomever you need to text before you go to back to your date.

Use the phone to avoid having a "textual relationship"

It is still nice to call someone you are dating to see how they are doing. You can hear the person's voice, hear them laugh and pick up vibes from what he or she says to you. Seeing an "LOL" just does not have the same ring to it. Make sure you do not get into the habit of never hearing the person's voice until you are on a date together.

You do not have to panic if the person does not text you back right away

Some people are under the impression that just because texting is quick and convenient that there is no excuse for when a person does not answer you back within five minutes. People sleep, get wrapped up in work or are out to dinner with family or friends and do not want to text at the table. Whatever the reason may be, avoid panicking and wait another day or so before you send another text.

With the invention of new technology come new rules and a new set of troubles. The only thing anyone can do is adapt to them, even in the dating world.