Hi Chris,
My dates’ messaging habits drive me crazy. And my girlfriends say the same about theirs. I also noticed that we girls are just as bad as the guys! What is it about texting? And how can we make it more enjoyable?
Text Trouble
Chris says,
Hi Text Trouble!
Messaging is the best thing that’s ever happened to dating. And the worst. As screens lower our inhibitions, we text things we wouldn’t normally say. Humour is misunderstood and shorthand goes wrong. Endless OMGs and LOLs can make you look like an idiot.
Avoid sending texts that don’t seem to have a purpose. Less ‘How’s it going?’ and more ‘Why don’t we try this new place…’.
Text if you’re going to be late, with a realistic estimated time of arrival. And you should only have eyes for each other on a date, so no messages at all.
What if your date texts? The first time, just raise an eyebrow. The next time, say something like, “Your messages seem important, let me give you space to deal with them. See you…’ and walk away. Your reputation will soar!
Text something appreciative after a first date. Don’t stay silent if you decide the chemistry isn’t there.
Make your messages subtly sexy. For example, if your date asks what you’re doing, text something semi-intimate like ‘I’ve just had a bath’.
Don’t reply right away, because a delay of a few minutes says you have a life of your own. If his text seems short, or if you’ve texted twice and he hasn’t replied, assume he’s busy and let it go for a while. Otherwise, always reply, and at about the same rate as he does, or you’ll come across as desperate. Or disinterested.
Never reply with just a ‘K’. It’s rude and suggests you have nothing nice to say. At least send an appropriate emoji. And NEVER break up by text. Have the guts to call, especially if you’ve been intimate. Or your text might just go viral…
Messaging is a great way to connect with someone you’re dating. But don’t rely on it too much. It can never replace a real smile, conversation and laughter.
All the best,
Chris
By Chris Hart