I like using the text messaging feature of my phone. I use it a lot with my family. DH always makes fun of me and tells me to just call, it’s so much faster. It is, but I’ve been texting for about 5-6 years now I think and it’s hard to stop. I used to send as much as 100 messages a day, if not more, but I’ve cut down to maybe 10 a week? So that’s pretty good. I think text messaging is here to stay, and if it’s new for you, I hope you read on for my short list of texting etiquette.
This happened to me a while back. I received a text message in the middle of the night.
Text#1: From: KIMBK44@……COM
R U having a sweet dream?”I wish good luck to U,especially today..
Received: 1:40:46
Text#2: From: KIMBK44@…….COM
Did you get a Good sleep? Today is foggy..I saw the pictures in UR CY..kk.awesome!!I just have 24 more days..T.T I am sure U do well”
Received: 9:00:10
From the top of my head, here are some text messaging etiquette:
- Keep your messages short and sweet. If you need to send a detailed message, use email instead.
- DON’T USE ALL CAPS, and be aware of your tone. As with email, it’s hard to read your tone. You could be mad/joking/flirting and the other person might not get it.n
- Don’t use text for serious matters.
- Don’t forward chain messages. I already get enough in my inbox, I don’t need it in my phone.
- Don’t drive and text.
- Don’t drink and text.
- Don’t walk and text. Specially when you’re going down the stairs. I’ve seen a few accidents because of this.
- Don’t get upset if you don’t receive a reply right away. Give people time to respond. They might be busy or not as adept at texting as you are.
- Don’t text at any hour of the night, unless it’s an absolute emergency. See text #1 above, R U having a sweet dream? If the person who was supposed to receive this is the same as me, he would have been thinking “You woke me up and you’re asking if I was having a sweet dream!!!”
- Don’t read & reply to text messages while you’re having a face-to-face conversation with someone. That’s just like taking a phone call.
Do you have any other text messaging tips?
Excellent tip.
And a shout out to all babysitters- put the texting away when caring for children! Unless you would prefer not to be paid ;o)
Oh another good one.
I completely agree with these! It just recently became illegal in my state to text & drive & I think it’s a good thing. Although I am one who is more on the 20-50 texts per day side, but I have an iphone so they don’t seem as crazy as with another phone.
I also need to stop using texts to have serious conversations. This happens sometimes with my parents. But I do find texting to be really convenient at times! I especially love texting pictures of my daughter to our family members who don’t live close. They say it makes them feel like they are there!
I’m a new follower from the 31DBBB challenge!! Great list post!!
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Thanks for the comment. It’s illegal in our province too to use your phone while driving. I still see people doing it though.
Great tips! I’d also add to not bombard a friend with a ton of texts unless you’ve talked about texting. My best friend, for example, has to pay for each individual text so she rarely uses them. The occasional text is okay but if you’re wanting to send ten just call!
Jennifer S. recently posted..National Geographic for Kids Books Review and Giveaway
Oh, I totally forgot about that. I know before my provider were planning on charging for incoming texts, but they scrapped that idea.
I really wish my sons and their peers would learn when to just put their phones away during family events – or when working for other people. It smacks of a careless disreguard for the moment and those around you.
On a lighter side, my husband came up with a (I think new) acronyme: BTDT – Been There Done That! He was really pleased with his invention!
Great list!
Oh I’m guilty of that too. Texting or playing on my phone while at family events.
I try not to do it though.
Hi Ally,
I just found you through the 31DBBB. So far, I’m liking what I see here. I think that mommy-hood and product reviews go hand-in-hand. I also love this post on text messages. I’m fairly new to texting. Although the etiquette part I totally get… I think it comes down to good manners. I could totally use some help with all the lingo. I’m a little behind on all of the acronyms.
Michelle recently posted..Shout Out to the Cosmetics Cop
Hahaha… yeah it takes a while to get used to the lingo. Let me know if I could help you with that.
LOL LOL LOL… LOVE this post…I agree with all of them..my son..he sits across the table from me and texts me..HELLO! Look up and ask me!!
katie recently posted..Sunday Stealing – Meme of Many Odd Questions Part 3
LOL! I’m not that bad
my dad once texted me at like 3am to ask me how much my renter’s insurance cost. like wouldn’t that have worked in an email that i could answer in the morning?
Carrie recently posted..Apple’s Free iPhone 4 Case Program
Definitely don’t text and drive! Great post.
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