In today’s world of emoticons and abbreviations, it’s easy to get lost in translation when it comes to texting your date or potential love interest.
Dating and relationships are already full of mysterious body gestures and mind games – so, if you want to explore your feelings for that special someone without going crazy, you may have to adjust your texting habits.
Matchmaker and dating expert Caroline Brealey can help us avoid those convoluted and cryptic text messages. Here are her top texting tips for when you are dating.
Use their first name
Unless you’ve been together for a while play it safe and ditch the ‘huni or babe’ and use their first name. It adds a warm and familiar tone to the message.
Don’t over-abbreviate
Unless you’re a teenage or working for the FBI writing a text in code should be avoided, that is if you want to the person on the other end to understand what you’re saying!
Ask questions
Light hearted questions are a great way to keep the conversation going via text. Now’s not the time to ask life’s deep and meaningful questions but asking if they like your favourite wine/movie/restaurant is a great way to get to know each other a little better.
Text before a date
Studies show that 68% of people like to text before a first date. People feel more confident and you already have some common ground before the big date.
Don’t over analyse
Dissecting a text and analysing it do death will send you stir crazy! If you’re not sure of the meaning of a text try not to jump to conclusions, texts lack tone so it’s easy to take things the wrong way. If you’re not sure what the text means ask them where you’re face to face.
Remember break up etiquette
Remember when Carrie in Sex and the City was dumped by a post it? Breaking up with someone via text is just as bad! – don’t do it!
Don’t drink and text
We’ve all done it and mainly regretted it! If you have a glass of wine in hand…put the phone down! Texting when you’re merry is risky, you’re likely to say something you don’t mean, come across to needy or be simply mortified by in the morning!
Avoid the texting game
Leave the texting games to the school kids. Playing mind games over text is not a smart move. If you say you’re going to text do it. Don’t send those mean texts or play the blanking game because they’ve had to rearrange your date. Life happens and it shouldn’t be played out via text.
Wrap it up
There’s nothing worse than waiting for a text from someone especially in the early days. Save them the heart palpitations by letting them know you need to wrap up the texting. A simple ‘crazy busy here looking forward to chatting later’ message will do the trick.
HUFFPOST LIFESTYLE
