OMFG God, you guys!!!! I’m so excited to be writing this article for WOMAN.ca! It’s been a while, right? LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, wait. Hang on. Just one second. It’s this guy. Wait, I just want to get back to him quickly. Wait. Hang on! Why are you leaving?!?!?

This brief scene is to relate how annoying texting can be. There’s nothing ruder than sitting across from someone and they’re staring intently at a bright little screen and furiously thumbing away on a tiny keypad. But it’s not all that uncommon.

And when you think about it, it’s only serving to bring us closer to the dystopian future that Philip K. Dick wrote about.

But it’s a necessary evil. Most of us are completely dependent on them for socializing and keeping in touch with our nearest and dearest. So until the robots rise up, here are a few tips to help you keep said relationships.

Texting is rarely a necessity. It’s not. Take a deep breath. It simply isn’t. It’s a great way to quickly say “be there in ten.” But meaningful conversations were not meant to happen over text. Never let texting replace a phone conversation. It’s tempting because you can avoid all kinds of awkwardness but texts are too easily accessible if you accidently leave your phone somewhere.

The polite thing to do is turn off or put your cell phone on silent, unless you’re waiting for other people to join you. Most things can actually wait. You know when you’re friend texts you a hilarious line from Centre Stage? That can wait. They will still be funny in an hour. And for the love of all that is good, turn off and DO NOT text or answer your phone in a movie, lecture hall, concert or any other public gathering. I did not pay, $13/tuition/over-priced Tickermaster fee to let you feel important. And yes, I’ll be the person giving your chair a swift kick.

If you text and don’t hear back, do not jump to wild conclusion. Remember, texting is an informal form of communication. Some people don’t feel the need to respond to your ever single whim, just as you don’t feel like responding to every single text. Be short, to the point. Make sure your texts are clear enough so they are not misinterpreted. The last thing you want is someone to come back with a completely misconstrued version of events because they don’t understand your sense of humor.

If you enjoy the occasional tipple as we all do, sometimes it’s a good idea to leave your cell phone at home to avoid the dreaded drunken text. It may feel good in the moment but oh boy does it feel awful the next day.

Look, you’re obviously smart. These are just some basic guidelines. Feel free to flesh them out for yourself. It’s actually common sense. But most of us could use a reminder now and again.

Image from MorgueFile

Alex West
		About the author:
		After a five year stint in Montreal Alex moved back to her native Toronto to do her Masters and began writing for different publications. When in doubt she always asks, what would Nick Cave do? Luckily the answer almost always involves velvet, wine and writing. In her spare time she enjoys watching civil war reenactments, sharing her James Bond level charm and talking about that girl who did that thing that one time. Read more of her work at: www.scare-tactic.blogspot.com
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