13 things you should never say over text (2023)

FAQs

What are the two things you should never do to text? ›

Don't text anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. Don't be upset if your text doesn't get an immediate response—you can't know for sure when the recipient will read the message. Think of texting as a conversation: If you would respond in the conversation, then respond in the text.

Going overboard with the emoji.

1/3 of men think more than 3 emojis in a text is too many emojis. Only 21 percent of men use emojis themselves. 3. Making vague suggestions that he entertain you, such as: "I'm bored," "What r u up to?," and "Heyy hows it goin?" (This is for those of you in the dating world.)

Do not post hurtful or inappropriate messages. If someone else posts hurtful or inappropriate messages -- do not respond, but do tell a teacher, parent or other adult. Do not click on any link that you do not know, and you are not sure is legitimate.

Devoid of non-verbal social cues, this dry texting (e.g., “sure,” “cool,” “that's fine”) can leave the recipient “unsure of where they stand and the tone the message was sent in,” says relationship therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, cofounder of premarital counseling platform Ours.

XX is a sweet, romantic gesture that indicates 2 kisses.

If the person you're talking to signs off a text with 2 Xs, the X still means “kiss” but the subtext here is a little more intimate.

What is the rule of 3 texting? ›

Popularized by the romcom, the three-day dating rule insists that a person wait three full days before contacting a potential suitor. A first-day text or call is too eager, a second-day contact seems planned, but three days is, somehow, the perfect amount of time.

Double-texting, or messaging two times before someone responds, is viewed as taboo in modern dating. While double-texting can feel bad, therapists say there is no rule for how much you should text. If you feel bad about double-texting, put your phone down and let the other person reply at their own pace.

A text exchange with no emotion could be a red flag, she notes. If the texts are flat, with no smiling in the language and little energy, this might be an indication the date is emotionally aloof. Some people manage the anxiety of attachment by trying to control their environment, Winsberg points out.

He might be busy, he might not like texting, or he might not be into you. Dry texting is incredibly frustrating, but try to be patient for the first couple of short texts or long response times. If he starts the conversation up again or starts sending more detailed messages, he was probably just busy.

Guys love hearing what you like about them.

You could mention how he looks, how he handles a situation, or how you feel about him. Just try to stay away from heavy-handed compliments if you don't mean them though; guys can see right through them. “I bet you're looking really handsome today 😘 just like every day!”

As a phrase, “dry texting” is relatively recent in the grand scheme of things. It refers to people who reply with one word, or don't carry the conversation and just say things like “lmao” and “wyd” until the receiver wants to tear their hair out in frustration or boredom.

Text at normal hours

It's best to text in the afternoon or evening and not early in the morning or late at night, Ansari and Klinenberg say. Otherwise, you run the risk of waking the person up.

Cold texting is reaching out via SMS to a contact without their prior consent or permission. It's similar to cold calling and cold emailing. Some examples that would lead to cold texting include: Purchasing a contact list from a third party. Finding customers' phone information online.

What is wet texting? ›

"Write Everything Twice" is yet another common definition for WET. WET. Definition: Write Everything Twice.

Use “xoxo." In the days before texting, people commonly used the letters “xo” to denote hugs (x) and kisses (o). You can use this simple, traditional, universally recognized message to send someone a kiss. Most people use “xoxo” at the end of messages, but you can use it as you like in text messages.

An example of a kiss code: 1 kiss means friends. 2 kisses means best friends (however maybe not inter-gender)

Xxx. Heading into unfamiliar territory here. Three kisses suggest that the other person might like you. If you put three and they respond with three you have entered into a little game. It means they are definitely feeling you out.

Never ask people about finances (wage or salary), politics, religion, death, age and appearance. Avoid offensive jokes to break the ice, narrow topics, past relationships, serial killers and illnesses as you could easily offend someone or be viewed as a negative person.

Under the CAN-SPAM Act, the FCC regulates commercial text messages sent to mobile devices, making sending unwanted text messages to cell phone numbers illegal. These unwanted messages are also known as robotexts. Messages must also be easily identifiable by the reader as an advertisement.

Cold texting follows the same principle – reaching out to prospective customers you've never contacted before – but via text messages. Cold texting is illegal because it goes against global privacy laws, which demand that individuals give their consent and opt-in to receive this type of marketing communication.

What does 143 mean? ›

What does 143 mean? 143 is code for I love you, especially used on pagers back in the 1990s.

for the win. used especially to express approval or support.

Lazy Texts is an integrated application that allows you to create a daily customizable text message reminder with all your important upcoming due dates. NSU has just partnered with Lazy Texts to provide their services to all our students.

Wait 4 hours before texting again if they don't respond.

Studies have shown that after 4 hours, you're more likely to get a response if you text again.

Excessive texting—especially when it involves demanding to know where someone is, who they are with, and what they are doing—is controlling and abusive. If you're in a relationship with someone who texts excessively or aggressively, you may want to distance yourself from them.

This guide to texting addresses the basics—write clearly; be yourself; be direct; double-check your text; follow up if you don't hear back; be careful with spell check and dictating; write out words, not emojis; and respond promptly.

The next time you are “irked” by someone, instead of shooting off an emotionally charged text, give yourself 24 hours and then call them to talk through things in a calm, rational way. You will preserve your relationship and improve your verbal communication skills.

A study from the dating app Hinge shows that double-texting can increase a date's likelihood to respond. The key is to wait four hours before the second text. Sending a second text even a week later increased the likelihood of a response.

The simple definition of double texting is this: You send two or more text messages to someone before they send you a response. The general idea is that someone who can't wait long enough for a response (and thus texts again) is clingy, needy, and lacking the social decency needed to give someone time to respond.

What is the no double texting rule? ›

Double-texting, or messaging two times before someone responds, is viewed as taboo in modern dating. While double-texting can feel bad, therapists say there is no rule for how much you should text. If you feel bad about double-texting, put your phone down and let the other person reply at their own pace.

Because text messaging cannot accurately convey tone, emotion, facial expressions, gestures, body language, eye contact, oral speech, or face-to-face conversation, it is likely messages will be misinterpreted or misunderstood. The real meaning of your message gets lost through the medium.

15 percent of injury crashes were the result of distracted driving. There is a 400 percent increase of time spent with eyes off the road while texting. The risk of a crash or near-crash increases by 95 percent when reaching for or dialing a phone. AAA found that 12% of crashes involved engaging with cell phones.

Popularized by the romcom, the three-day dating rule insists that a person wait three full days before contacting a potential suitor. A first-day text or call is too eager, a second-day contact seems planned, but three days is, somehow, the perfect amount of time.

Bad texters write long, rambling messages. They annoy you with too many emojis or too much punctuation. Or, they're completely toneless, leaving you wondering if they're mad. They blow up your phone.

Delivering negative news involves a buffer or cushion statement, an explanation, the negative news itself, and a redirecting statement. Whether you choose a direct or an indirect approach, the message should be delivered clearly and concisely, with respect for the receiver and the organization.

Further, a lot of guys like getting goodnight texts, but may not ask for them outright. It can be important not to overthink what kind of text to send a guy and when to send it. As you get to know the guy more, you can likely discover which kinds of texts he appreciates most.