8 Ways Texting Makes Dating Confusing AF

8 Ways Texting Makes Dating Confusing AF ©iStock/Geber86

It’s sad to say, but these days, texting can totally make or break a relationship. We depend on technology to bring us together, but could it actually be the thing responsible for the communication gap? It seems like it, because sometimes your phone makes dating confusing AF.

  1. You can never tell tone. Was that a joke, or is he actually pissed? When it comes to texting, you can never be fully confident in the meaning behind a single message. You could find yourself in a complete tizzy over his words, only to find out that what you read isn’t what he said, because unless you always have the perfect emoji, a text never reveals his tone.
  2. You’re always waiting on a reply. When he doesn’t text back ASAP, you’re automatically pissed AF. You think of him as always being just a text away and with that you expect instant messaging. Once upon a time you could figure out all your plans in a single phone call, but now you’re forever waiting on a timely reply.
  3. You expect constant communication. And if that’s not given, you think something’s wrong. There are no excuses. It’s just too easy to stay in contact all the time, so if he doesn’t, you’re left in a struggle of anger and worry.
  4. He’s always just a drunk text away. Texting while drunk is never a blessing, but always a curse. Your inebriated self loves to let the truth out with every heightened emotion that crosses your path. Unfortunately, the truth is usually too much to handle, so this is one text (or, you know, 30) that’s sure to make your relationship more complicated than ever before.
  5. Your texting defines your availability. If you text back too quickly, you’re desperate. If he waits too long, you assume he’s not interested. Texting promotes promptness, but that somehow reeks of desperation. When it comes to text etiquette, you’re walking a thin line between defining interest and establishing boundaries.
  6. It means something different to everyone. You might assume that if a man chooses a text over a call, he’s just not that into you. But have you ever considered what that text means to him? You can’t just assume you’re on the same page. So how do you decipher the difference between a lack of interest and a lack of time?
  7. It’s not face to face, just a lot of space. Bottom line — it’s impersonal, and that can become a big problem, because when you rely too much on texting habits you can forget how to act in person. If the relationship is all text and no talk, then it’s not a relationship at all.
  8. You become too dependent on it. Texting should never replace an actual conversation. It’s too hard to explain yourself or clarify your words. It should really be used for making simple plans and the big stuff should be saved for in person, but in the heat of the moment, it’s just too easy to let your thumbs do the work and hit send.
Kelsey Dykstra is a freelance writer based in Huntington Beach, CA. She has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from Grand Valley State University and been writing professionally since graduating in 2013. In addition to writing about love and relationships for Bolde and lifestyle topics for Love to Know, she also writes about payment security and small business solutions for PaymentCloud.

Originally from Michigan, this warm weather seeker relocated to the OC just last summer. Kelsey enjoys writing her own fictional pieces, reading a variety of young adult novels, binging on Netflix, and of course soaking up the sun.

You can find more about Kelsey on her LinkedIn profile or on Twitter @dykstrakelsey.
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