Feb 17, 2009 07:06 PM
3248 Views
It has to be assumed you own and use a cell phone. You yap on your mobile from time to time, conversing with family and friends, maybe use the camera function occasionally or even surf the web and check your email if you have a nifty smart phone.
You also probably do some amount of texting – or at least, you should. Texting has long been huge in Japan, but of late it’s really caught on in America Asia and Europe. Still, many don’t see it as a viable enough method of communication. These people may see texting as taking too long and being rather unnecessary. Or, some simply aren’t sure of when it’s appropriate to text as opposed to calling.
With this in mind, here’s a little guideline as to when to text instead of call. Consider it our **Top 5 Reasons to Text**, in no particular order.
*1. You’re Occupied.** Where are you when you’re trying to make this call? The library? A Meet the Parents scenario at a nice restaurant with the future in-laws? You can’t just whip out the phone and place a call, jabbering away, and if your future father-in-law is a DeNiro type, then you really have to mind your manners.
This seems obvious, of course, but you need to get in the texting mindset, because this is a far better alternative than just slipping the phone back in your pocket and not conveying your message until later. You can continue a conversation with the in-laws or whomever else while quickly knocking out an important text. You can’t help but put matters on hold with a traditional call. This should be a no-brainer.
*2. Your Contact Is Occupied.** Take a moment to think about someone other than yourself for a change. Is the person you’re thinking about calling at work in a meeting, or working(or asleep!) in class? It just isn’t feasible to buzz them. They’re not going to pick up, and if they left their ringer on as opposed to putting their phone on vibrate; you’re bringing a scolding upon them one way or another. Text them instead. At least that way they’re getting your message, they can more than likely respond(as long as they’re sneaky!), and no one’s getting embarrassed or getting in trouble because of their cell phone.
*3. You’re Trying to Avoid a Long, Awkward Conversation.** Hey, sometimes you have something that needs to be said, but you don’t have the time or the inclination to invest in a drawn out conversation, even if you know both you and the other person are presently in a situation where you can freely talk.
Or, perhaps you’re worried that once a call is placed and your initial message is conveyed, you or the person you’re calling are going to be left with nowhere else to go. Forced conversations are no fun, and can lead to someone saying something they didn’t mean or later regret, as they try to just move discussion along. Avoid all of this with a quick and easy text, and breathe a sigh of relief.
*4. You’re Sending Directions, Phone Numbers, or Other Information.** Outside of benefiting yourself or as an alternative to talking for alternative’s sake, think of the highly practical uses of text messaging. Some people who don’t text, or who are simply older and out of the texting loop, don’t “get” the usefulness of the communication method.
My grandfather often hates dealing with typing in a message letter by letter, but at times feels obliged when he receives one, for example. But think about how it can make someone’s life easier. Is your friend looking for another friend’s phone number, and you happen to have it? Forget calling them and giving them the number vocally, making them grab a pen and paper in the process.
Pick up your cell, text them the number, and then they can simply hit “Store”. Viola! Need to send directions to someone, but you and/or them aren’t at a computer? Again, don’t pick up the phone to call! Text them the directions, and they’ll have a written record of where they need to go with them at all times. If you use your head, texting becomes much less a fad and much more a viable means of making life just a little easier.
*5. You’ve Got Romance on the Mind.** Hey, don’t leave it to me to be your romantic advisor. Hell, I need one. But in the pursuit of a girl or guy, it’s sometimes the little things that can make a pretty big impression, at least in aggregate.
There are a lot of time honored traditions that can be followed to win over someone’s heart, and don’t think for a second that good old fashioned communication – face to face, phone calls – should be downplayed. But listen…
Add some random texts in once in a while to let that special person know you’re thinking about them. Texts can act as cute little messages at any time of the day or night, and can be received and appreciated by that love interest even when they’re too tired or preoccupied to normally talk.
The ability for the random nature of the text is helpful in this situation, too. Calling up a guy or girl to talk to them about some little thing you just saw may lead into an awkward moment where you realize you have nothing else to say in the conversation, or may be perceived as silly, trivial or unnecessary by the person you’re calling, right from the get-go.
While a text may remain “silly” irrespective, because of the simple nature of it that guy or girl isn’t going to feel it’s unnecessary or weird, and at the very least you’re ensuring that neither side is put into an awkward situation in which a response or additional comments are immediately necessary. All in all, it’s a subtle way to move along a fledgling relationship. Add it to your love arsenal.
So, the next time you’re thinking of picking up that phone to place a call, take a moment and think about the situation. Maybe a little texting can go a long way?
