The Etiquette Of Dating & Texting

Texting has brought a whole set of rules to the dating game and it can make or break a relationship with one slip of the SMS. Here’s the rules of the etiquette of dating & texting.

1. Stick To The Point

Texting is a good way to follow up on a first date to let the person that you are interested in seeing him or her again. However, if the text is too long and you are babbling on about subject matters that has nothing to do with your date, it can be an immediate turn-off.

2. Do Not Over-text

Keep it low-key to begin with otherwise your behaviour can be interpreted as being desperate. As the relationship progresses, you can slowly increase the frequency of communications in order to plan things together and ultimately to send love messages.

3. Do Not Take Too Long To Respond

There are obviously going to be times when you are unable to send an immediate text back to the sender but any longer than a day will imply that you have little interest in that person or that you have them on hold until something better comes along.

4. Do Not Expect Immediate Gratification

We all lead busy lives. Your love interest will respond when they have time – and of course – only if they want to.

5. Texting During A Date Is Simply Bad Manners

Simples.

6. Do Not Replace Conversation With Texting

Dating & texting should really be kept for transmitting important information like  you are running late for your date. However, there is nothing wrong with the odd flirty text to brighten up someone’s hectic work day.

7. Do Not Send Compromising Texts Or Photos

Or at least until you are in a serious and secure relationship. Think of celebrities who have all been burnt by embarrassing sex tapes that have been made public. It might be on a lesser scale but equally embarrassing if it falls into the hands of friends and family.

What’s more, too many steamy or romantic texts make you come across as desperate, needy, and intrusive in a love relationship. Remember that less is more. Further, overly sexual remarks can catch the recipient off-guard (as at work) and compromise or fluster them.

8. Avoid Late Night Texts

Women can often see late night texts as simple booty calls and find them extremely insulting.

9. Breaking Up By Text Is Bad Manners

It is both cowardly and disrespectful. If at all possible, deliver the bad news in person or at the very least in a phone conversation. The same goes for Facebook, Twitter, Instragram, email etc..

10. Do Not Drink And Text

You already know this. You have probably already done it. It did not turn out too good, did it?

11. Be Aware Of Your Tone

The written word is open to miscommunication. Something that is suppose to be humorous sarcasm may be interpreted as rude. And the end of any further dates with the recipient.

Photo: Lukas Rychvalsky