Are You The Hero Or The Villain?
Ever sent a text and then…nothing? Maybe you’re the type who replies instantly—or perhaps you’re the reason people double-text. Texting habits say a lot; whether you’re killing the vibe or keeping it alive, there’s always room to level up. So, let’s break down what makes a texter good (or painfully bad), starting with the cringy ones.
1. You Take Forever To Reply
When a simple “Hey” turns into an agonizing wait for a response, it can leave the other person feeling dismissed. People appreciate timely replies; not getting one makes it seem like your conversation isn’t a priority. Are you guilty of leaving others on read?
2. One-Word Answers
A quick “OK” or “Yep” won’t cut it, especially in a deep conversation. These responses can come off as disinterested or even passive-aggressive. Conversations need substance to thrive. When your text communication is reduced to a mere grunt, it’s like showing up to a party but not talking to anyone.
3. Ignoring Direct Questions
Skipping over questions, whether intentional or accidental, signals a lack of engagement. If someone asks you about your day or opinion, ignoring them makes the conversation feel one-sided. It can be frustrating, like talking to a brick wall. It’s not a good look.
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4. No Emojis Or Tone Indicators
Texting is a tricky medium because tone is often lost in translation. Without emojis or tone indicators, your message may come across as harsher or colder than intended. Ever sent a neutral “Okay” that felt way more aggressive than you thought? On the other hand, “Okay😀” changes everything. That’s why tone matters!
5. Leaving People On Read
You open a message, see it, and then do nothing. This behavior feels dismissive and disrespectful, especially when you’re expected to reply (and the blue tick is on). It leaves the other person wondering if they said something wrong. Don’t leave your texts dangling like a cliffhanger.
6. Texting At Inconvenient Times
Sending long, deep messages at 3 a.m. or other odd times is a no-go. Timing is everything in texting. Messages should align with the other person’s schedule and not disrupt their sleep, work, or personal time. If you’re texting at inconvenient hours, you’re probably just adding unnecessary stress.
7. Unreliable In Group Chats
Suddenly silent in a group chat, leaving the conversation to others to run? It’s like abandoning ship mid-conversation. Group chats rely on everyone’s participation to keep the flow going. When you go silent, others might feel frustrated, wondering why you’re ignoring them.
8. Vague Replies
Have you ever received a message that left you thinking, “What does that even mean?” Vague or overly general replies can make conversations confusing. They stall momentum and often force others to guess your intentions. Without clarity, texting becomes a guessing game nobody enjoys.
9. Ghosting
Ghosting isn’t just an end-of-conversation phenomenon. It’s when you vanish mid-conversation and leave the other person hanging for days. One moment, you’re chatting cheerfully, and then—nothing for a long time. No explanation and no follow-up. It’s like a conversation balloon bursting mid-air with no closure.
10. Misunderstanding Basic Texts
Taking a text the wrong way can make conversations unnecessarily tense. Misinterpreting tone, humor, or sarcasm confuses and sometimes even hurts people’s feelings. Texting is all about reading between the lines. If you often misunderstand others’ messages, that could be why the chats get awkward.
Now that we’ve set the stage for what makes a lousy texter, let’s look at the other side of the coin. Ready to find out if you’re part of “Team Good?” Let’s dive in!
1. You Share Genuine Updates
It feels so good when you receive a text that makes you feel included. As a good texter, you know the value of updating others on your life. By sharing personal experiences and stories, you offer a connection that makes the conversation feel authentic.
2. You Craft Thoughtful Responses
Responding with purpose turns mundane texting into engaging dialogue. Thoughtful responses show you’re invested. Whether you’re asking questions, elaborating on a story, or offering a deeper insight, this keeps the conversation moving forward.
3. You Can Hold A Long Conversation
Good texters don’t struggle to keep a conversation going. If you’re one, you’ll know how to maintain the flow without asking for a voice or video call. When a text exchange feels like an endless, smooth river, you’re doing it right.
4. You Give Space When Needed
Sometimes, silence is golden. Good texters understand when to step back and give the other person room to respond or think. You never bombard with texts, respecting that other people may be busy. It’s about balance—knowing when to chat and when to pause for a breath.
5. You Acknowledge Important Moments
Good texters recognize significant events in others’ lives and send thoughtful messages accordingly. Sending proper regards and remembering details shows you care beyond the surface level. It’s these thoughtful acknowledgments that turn a good texter into a great one.
6. You Know How To Adapt To The Conversation
Do you know when to switch details to fit every conversation? This should mean you can adjust your tone and content based on the topic. Be it a funny meme for a light chat or a heartfelt message for a serious discussion, versatility is key.
7. You Respect Boundaries
You also have to understand timing and pacing, which goes into respecting the receiver’s boundaries. Respect boundaries and don’t push people to text when they’ve already conveyed that they are busy or unavailable at the moment. This consideration makes others feel valued.
8. You Make Texting Enjoyable
A good texter always knows how to keep things light. Instead of taunts or reminders of a previous conversation with “????,” you send memes, emojis, GIFs, quotes, and funny anecdotes. Your messages bring a smile to the reader’s face, keeping things comfortable and fun.
9. You’re Attentive To Timing
Timing matters in texting, so you should know when to text and when to wait. Just don’t send messages at inconvenient hours. If you know the other person is working or sleeping, you should respect that and patiently await a response when you know their routine.
10. You Check In Thoughtfully
The last good habit is not forgetting to follow up. So, check in, even if it’s just to say, “Hey, how’s everything going?” This shows you care beyond the person and the immediate conversation. Checking in doesn’t just keep the chat alive—it reinforces that you’re there, even when life gets hectic.
