Texting Etiquette

As promised, today's blog will totally encompass the rules of texting...according to me.  I'm sure many times I have broken some cardinal rules in this arena and, if so, my bad.  However, it's important to make it clear that there are just certain things that are unacceptable.  So, I'm here to tell you how to avoid irritating those you text.

• This is the most important thing to remember.  Texting is not necessarily meant to be real time.  That means that if you send a text, you cannot expect to get a response right away.  Now, some of us typically keep our phones handy, so maybe you're getting spoiled because we normally respond so quickly.  However, texting means we don't have to.  Likewise, we understand that you may be busy, unavailable, or simply don't want to talk until you're ready.  We'll wait patiently, will you?
• On that note, if you don't get a response right away, do NOT follow up with a text that says, "Hello?"  I'm at the point that this will get you either an extremely smart ass response, a tirade of me telling you how rude you are and how valuable my time is, and/or me never responding to any of your texts ever again.
• Furthering that train of thought...if someone uses texting to invite you to an event, at least give a response of some sort at some point.  Not responding to an invitation at all is a bit rude.  If you're not responding because you're sick of hearing from that person, then buck up and tell them to stop texting you.  Make up something, I don't care.  But don't just not respond because invites require a yay/nay despite irritation.
• Stop trying to be someone's boyfriend/girlfriend.  If we are not in that sort of relationship, stop texting me every single day to say something stupid and unimportant about your day or to simply check up on mine.  In fact, even if you are my boyfriend, don't ever do that.  I guarantee I'll start rolling my eyes every time I get a text from you and I'll stop wanting to respond.  Keep in mind, though, it's okay to do that every once in awhile.  If done correctly, it lets the person know you're thinking about them randomly and that kinda feels good.
• MEN!  Stop asking women for pics.  We've all been trapped by this, so I'm not going to act holier than thou on this one.  But I can tell you, you'll get a lot more respect if you never ask.
• This is a personal pet peeve, but there are certain endearment terms that make me gag when I see them in text.  I'm not saying I necessarily care if you use them verbally (maybe I do), but definitely avoid them in text.  They are "boo", and "hun".  I don't know why, but they're like nails on a chalkboard.  Either come up with something better, or don't call me anything at all.
• Drunk texting...we're all guilty of this.  But there are a couple different levels of drunk texting we need to avoid.  I don't mind the gibberish ones because they make me laugh.  But the obvious, "Can I come over?", and the like are unacceptable.  Drunken invitations are obvious and a bit insulting.  I, too, have a problem with all types of drunk texting and I've even gone as far as to delete some people's #s to remove them from harm's way.  I don't do it with everyone, but there are certain people that I immediately go to. (You're welcome, if I deleted you.)

Alright, kids.  I think that's at least the most important points.  I'm switching up a line from Yo Gabba Gabba here, but DON'T IRRITATE YOU'RE FRIENDS!!!!!