I am a text-messaging fiend. Text messages allow for multitasking. I can text in the shower, the car, Winn-Dixie and in class. I can hold several text conversations without anyone knowing. I can even talk on speaker phone while texting someone else. Texts eliminate the meaningless chatter we go through in a conversation like “Hey, what’s up? How are you?” Texts cut to the chase: “Wat RU doin 2nite?” or simply, “Come over.” Sadly, texts have down sides. In a text, it’s impossible decipher sarcasm, anger or happiness. Also, while most phones are equipped with texting, not everyone has it or initiates the plan. Texts are not always acceptable. However, I have categorized them to improve communication. The drunk text: Happens anytime. Reads: “I luv U,” “UR hot” or “IM horny.” The sender later regrets it, unless the receiver is also wasted. Easier to cover-up than a drunk-dial. The apology text: Sender attempts to make amends: “Sorry abt last nite.” This is a copout. Never apologize over a text and don’t accept one. The mass text: common during holidays; never includes names or details. Used by manwhores and sluts every Saturday night: “Hey sexy, what u up 2 later?” The dirty text: Used by relationship columnists across campus. Begins innocent: “I want 2CU,” or “Get naked.” The date text: Used by nervous dates worldwide: “Dinner L8R?” Works sometimes, easy to reject and less embarrassing. My pet peeve with texts occurs when the receiver doesn’t reply. I always reply to a text unless I hate you or have too many conversations going to reply immediately. My favorites are the sweet ones from the dwindling number of nice guys: “Thinkin of U” or “Have a great day.” My 1,200 minutes per month remind me that texts haven’t completely taken over talking. But the texting positives are worth the rare negatives.
—–Contact Holly A. Phillips at hphillips@lsureveille.com